US Bridges

US0171 over Vernon Lake

Good

Vernon Parish, Louisiana · 2.09 Mi. South of LA 111 · Structure no. 085800250107162

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
362 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,952
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0171 over Vernon Lake is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US0171 over Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,952 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,647 by 2041. The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS0171
CrossesVernon Lake
Location2.09 Mi. South of LA 111
RouteU.S. Route 171
Coordinates31.22405, -93.32864
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length362 ft (110.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,952 (2021)
Projected traffic7,647 by 2041
Trucks15%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0171 over Vernon Lake built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0171 over Vernon Lake in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US0171 over Vernon Lake carry?

About 6,952 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US0171 over Vernon Lake?

The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US0171 over Vernon Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.