US Bridges

Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek

Poor

Vernon Parish, Louisiana · 7 Mi. Ese of Pickening · Structure no. 080605000002526

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
60
1996 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek is a concrete slab carrying Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek in Vernon 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 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.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2045. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFdr 421
CrossesDrakes Creek
Location7 Mi. Ese of Pickening
RouteFederal Lands Road 421.1
CountyVernon Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.00337, -93.1495
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (1996)
Projected traffic90 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek built?

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

What condition is Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Fdr 421 over Drakes Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.