US Bridges

Big 4 RD over Coulee

PoorPosted for load

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana · 0.5 MI S of LA 14 · Structure no. 035730008923391

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big 4 RD over Coulee is a concrete slab carrying Big 4 RD over Coulee in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 77 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig 4 RD
CrossesCoulee
Location0.5 MI S of LA 14
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVermilion Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.01411, -92.56455
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2021)
Projected traffic77 by 2041
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Big 4 RD over Coulee built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big 4 RD over Coulee in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Big 4 RD over Coulee carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Big 4 RD over Coulee?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Big 4 RD over Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.