US Bridges

LA0397 over Bayou

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 2.6 Mi. S. of LA 14 · Structure no. 071008101103701

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
80 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
543
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 1992, so it is 33 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 543 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 597 by 2041. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 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
CrossesBayou
Location2.6 Mi. S. of LA 14
RouteState Highway 397
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.12096, -93.14572
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 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 width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic543 (2021)
Projected traffic597 by 2041
Trucks17%
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 Bayou built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does LA0397 over Bayou carry?

About 543 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% 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 33 ft wide.

Who owns LA0397 over Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.