US Bridges

US 61 over Bayou Francois

Good

Ascension Parish, Louisiana · 0.85 M SE of LA 426 · Structure no. 610300000610404

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
29,303
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Bayou Francois is a concrete slab carrying US 61 over Bayou Francois in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 years old, younger 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 29,303 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,233 by 2041. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 61
CrossesBayou Francois
Location0.85 M SE of LA 426
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyAscension Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.22728, -90.90198
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.8 US tons
Inventory rating59.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,303 (2021)
Projected traffic32,233 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 61 over Bayou Francois built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Bayou Francois 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 61 over Bayou Francois carry?

About 29,303 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Bayou Francois?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 61 over Bayou Francois?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.