US Bridges

LA0397 over Bayou

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 2.9 MI North of LA 14 · Structure no. 071001933102901

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
80 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,291
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0397 over Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0397 over Bayou in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 9,291 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,220 by 2041. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0397
CrossesBayou
Location2.9 MI North of LA 14
RouteState Highway 397
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.20159, -93.1289
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,291 (2021)
Projected traffic10,220 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Bayou built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0397 over 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does LA0397 over Bayou carry?

About 9,291 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is LA0397 over Bayou?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns LA0397 over Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.