US Bridges

LA0385 over Black Bayou

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 2.3 MI North of LA 401 · Structure no. 071001950302271

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,197
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0385 over Black Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0385 over Black Bayou in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 3,197 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,516 by 2041. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0385
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location2.3 MI North of LA 401
RouteState Highway 385
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.08461, -93.21336
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,197 (2021)
Projected traffic3,516 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 LA0385 over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0385 over Black 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does LA0385 over Black Bayou carry?

About 3,197 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is LA0385 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns LA0385 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.