US Bridges

Rio Grande ST over Water Branch

Fair

Washington Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 MI S of Hwy. 10 · Structure no. 625930473895281

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,450
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rio Grande ST over Water Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rio Grande ST over Water Branch in Washington Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 65 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 8,450 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,295 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRio Grande ST
CrossesWater Branch
Location0.1 MI S of Hwy. 10
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWashington Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.78975, -89.87976
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,450 (2020)
Projected traffic9,295 by 2040
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$150,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rio Grande ST over Water Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Rio Grande ST over Water 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Rio Grande ST over Water Branch carry?

About 8,450 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Rio Grande ST over Water Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Rio Grande ST over Water Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.