US Bridges

Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides

Fair

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 125 N. of Rapides Ave. · Structure no. 084031184922861

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
191 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,550
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides is a concrete slab carrying Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 6 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 1,550 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,705 by 2042. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVeterans Drive
CrossesBayou Rapides
Location125 N. of Rapides Ave.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.30791, -92.4761
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,550 (2022)
Projected traffic1,705 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides carry?

About 1,550 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Veterans Drive over Bayou Rapides?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.