US Bridges

LA0537 over Posten Bayou

PoorPosted for load

Bossier Parish, Louisiana · 6.30 MI North of LA 2 · Structure no. 040808080506301

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
153 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
67
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0537 over Posten Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0537 over Posten Bayou in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 67 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 73 by 2041. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0537
CrossesPosten Bayou
Location6.30 MI North of LA 2
RouteState Highway 537
CountyBossier Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.96489, -93.7825
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating9.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67 (2021)
Projected traffic73 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$712,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0537 over Posten Bayou built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0537 over Posten Bayou 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does LA0537 over Posten Bayou carry?

About 67 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is LA0537 over Posten Bayou?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns LA0537 over Posten Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.