US Bridges

US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou

Fair

Tensas Parish, Louisiana · .1 MI North of LA 896 · Structure no. 585400200212031

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
180 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,247
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou is a concrete slab carrying US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou in Tensas Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,247 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,371 by 2041. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0065
CrossesBig Choctaw Bayou
Location.1 MI North of LA 896
RouteU.S. Route 65
CountyTensas Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.8764, -91.3515
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,247 (2021)
Projected traffic1,371 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$819,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0065 over Big Choctaw 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou carry?

About 1,247 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US0065 over Big Choctaw Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.