US Bridges

LA 385 over Contraband Bayou

Good

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 MI W of LA 3186 · Structure no. 071000000000241

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,878
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA 385 over Contraband Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying LA 385 over Contraband Bayou in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, older 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 22,878 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25,165 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesLA 385
CrossesContraband Bayou
Location0.1 MI W of LA 3186
RouteState Highway 385
Coordinates30.1762, -93.21566
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,878 (2023)
Projected traffic25,165 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 LA 385 over Contraband Bayou built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA 385 over Contraband Bayou 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does LA 385 over Contraband Bayou carry?

About 22,878 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is LA 385 over Contraband Bayou?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns LA 385 over Contraband Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.