US Bridges

Tower RD over Maple Branch

Fair

Vernon Parish, Louisiana · 0.60 M. N. of LA 10 · Structure no. 085830583930401

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
1976 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tower RD over Maple Branch is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Tower RD over Maple Branch in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 350 vehicles a day, projected to reach 385 by 1996. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTower RD
CrossesMaple Branch
Location0.60 M. N. of LA 10
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVernon Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.97154, -93.0664
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (1976)
Projected traffic385 by 1996
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Tower RD over Maple Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tower RD over Maple 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Tower RD over Maple Branch carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (1976 count).

How long is Tower RD over Maple Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Tower RD over Maple Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.