US Bridges

LA0397 over English Bayou

Poor

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 0.3 MI N of I-10 · Structure no. 071000000500046

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
160 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
9,291
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0397 over English Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0397 over English Bayou in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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.

It carries about 9,291 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,220 by 2041. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0397
CrossesEnglish Bayou
Location0.3 MI N of I-10
RouteCounty Highway 397
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.24838, -93.12951
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,291 (2021)
Projected traffic10,220 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0397 over English Bayou built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0397 over English 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does LA0397 over English Bayou carry?

About 9,291 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is LA0397 over English Bayou?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns LA0397 over English Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.