US Bridges

LA0109 over Bess Branch

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 4.3 MI N of LA 12 · Structure no. 071000000070207

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,749
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0109 over Bess Branch is a prestressed concrete slab carrying LA0109 over Bess Branch in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 1,749 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,923 by 2041. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0109
CrossesBess Branch
Location4.3 MI N of LA 12
RouteState Highway 109
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.38045, -93.67305
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,749 (2021)
Projected traffic1,923 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0109 over Bess Branch built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0109 over Bess Branch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does LA0109 over Bess Branch carry?

About 1,749 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is LA0109 over Bess Branch?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns LA0109 over Bess Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.