US Bridges

US0171 over Sales Branch

Fair

Vernon Parish, Louisiana · .25 MI North of LA 1211 · Structure no. 085800240616402

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
180 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
14,458
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0171 over Sales Branch is a concrete slab carrying US0171 over Sales Branch in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 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 14,458 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,903 by 2041. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0171
CrossesSales Branch
Location.25 MI North of LA 1211
RouteU.S. Route 171
CountyVernon Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.11665, -93.2709
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating48 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 width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,458 (2021)
Projected traffic15,903 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US0171 over Sales Branch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0171 over Sales Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US0171 over Sales Branch carry?

About 14,458 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US0171 over Sales Branch?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US0171 over Sales Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.