US Bridges

LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou

FairPosted for load

Tensas Parish, Louisiana · 5.0 MI North of LA 3044 · Structure no. 585401860406051

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
191 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
16
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou in Tensas Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 16 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 17 by 2041. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0573
CrossesBig Choctaw Bayou
Location5.0 MI North of LA 3044
RouteState Highway 573
CountyTensas Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.86555, -91.4362
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (2021)
Projected traffic17 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0573 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns LA0573 over Big Choctaw Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.