US Bridges

LA0538 over Walnut Bayou

Fair

Caddo Parish, Louisiana · 5.40 MI N of LA 173 · Structure no. 040900780411311

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
152 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
662
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0538 over Walnut Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0538 over Walnut Bayou in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 6 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 662 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 728 by 2041. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0538
CrossesWalnut Bayou
Location5.40 MI N of LA 173
RouteState Highway 538
CountyCaddo Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.67227, -93.9535
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic662 (2021)
Projected traffic728 by 2041
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0538 over Walnut Bayou built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0538 over Walnut 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does LA0538 over Walnut Bayou carry?

About 662 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is LA0538 over Walnut Bayou?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns LA0538 over Walnut Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.