US Bridges

Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad

FairPosted for load

Vernon Parish, Louisiana · Fort Johnson · Structure no. DAPFORPOK000H33

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
160 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2016 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad is a concrete channel beam carrying Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,550 by 2046. The structure is 160 ft (48.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLouisiana Avenue
CrossesKCS Railroad
LocationFort Johnson
CountyVernon Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.06475, -93.26997
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2016)
Projected traffic4,550 by 2046
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerArmy
Maintained byArmy
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$132,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad?

The structure is 160 ft (48.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Louisiana Avenue over KCS Railroad?

It is owned by the Army.