US Bridges

Bethel RD over Waters Bayou

Fair

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 2.74 Mi. South of LA 28 · Structure no. 084031233921071

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
240
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bethel RD over Waters Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Bethel RD over Waters Bayou in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 240 vehicles a day, projected to reach 264 by 2042. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesBethel RD
CrossesWaters Bayou
Location2.74 Mi. South of LA 28
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.38813, -92.1784
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (2022)
Projected traffic264 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bethel RD over Waters Bayou built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bethel RD over Waters Bayou 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Bethel RD over Waters Bayou carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Bethel RD over Waters Bayou?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bethel RD over Waters Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.