US Bridges

UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR

Poor

West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana · 0.5 MI N of Sligo RD · Structure no. 616300000616312

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
95 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
32
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR is a concrete slab carrying UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR in West Feliciana 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 32 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2042. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUP Cheerful Val RD
CrossesGales CR
Location0.5 MI N of Sligo RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWest Feliciana Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.97736, -91.38287
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32 (2022)
Projected traffic35 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR built?

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

What condition is UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR carry?

About 32 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns UP Cheerful Val RD over Gales CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.