US Bridges

Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou

FairPosted for load

Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana · 0.74 Miles NE of LA 1 · Structure no. 080531085920971

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 110 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCardinal Loop
CrossesChoctaw Bayou
Location0.74 Miles NE of LA 1
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAvoyelles Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.14107, -92.1657
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic110 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$318,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Cardinal Loop over Choctaw Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.