US Bridges

US0171 over Calcasieu River

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 1.7 MI North of I-10 · Structure no. 071000240103501

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
5,702 ft
77 main spans
Daily traffic
32,659
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0171 over Calcasieu River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying US0171 over Calcasieu River in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older 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 5 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 32,659 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,924 by 2041. The structure is 5,702 ft (1,738 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0171
CrossesCalcasieu River
Location1.7 MI North of I-10
RouteU.S. Route 171
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.28297, -93.1864
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans77
Design loadHS 20
Structure length5,702 ft (1,738 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,659 (2021)
Projected traffic35,924 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US0171 over Calcasieu River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0171 over Calcasieu River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US0171 over Calcasieu River carry?

About 32,659 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US0171 over Calcasieu River?

The structure is 5,702 ft (1,738 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US0171 over Calcasieu River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.