US Bridges

LA0385 over Contraband Bayou

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 MI North of LA 384 · Structure no. 071001950400131

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
16,472
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0385 over Contraband Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying LA0385 over Contraband Bayou in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 16,472 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,119 by 2041. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0385
CrossesContraband Bayou
Location0.1 MI North of LA 384
RouteState Highway 385
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.17804, -93.21858
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,472 (2021)
Projected traffic18,119 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$318,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0385 over Contraband Bayou built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0385 over Contraband 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does LA0385 over Contraband Bayou carry?

About 16,472 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is LA0385 over Contraband Bayou?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns LA0385 over Contraband Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.