US Bridges

Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou

PoorPosted for load

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 0.3 Mi. N. of LA 3186 · Structure no. 071030108931231

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,942
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,942 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,836 by 2039. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesLouisiana Ave
CrossesContraband Bayou
Location0.3 Mi. N. of LA 3186
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.17974, -93.20548
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,942 (2019)
Projected traffic9,836 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$477,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou carry?

About 8,942 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Louisiana Ave over Contraband Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.