US Bridges

Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch

Fair

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · National Forest · Structure no. 080602000002243

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
60
1976 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2045. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFdr 273
CrossesRocky Branch
LocationNational Forest
RouteFederal Lands Road 273.7
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.11598, -92.62797
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (1976)
Projected traffic90 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (1976 count).

How long is Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Fdr 273 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.