US Bridges

LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou

Fair

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana · 2.8 MI South of LA 8 · Structure no. 581303530302801

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
248 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
878
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou in Catahoula 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 878 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 965 by 2041. The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0126
CrossesSandy Lake Bayou
Location2.8 MI South of LA 8
RouteState Highway 126
CountyCatahoula Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.68424, -91.9085
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20
Structure length248 ft (75.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic878 (2021)
Projected traffic965 by 2041
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou built?

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

What condition is LA0126 over Sandy Lake 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou carry?

About 878 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou?

The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns LA0126 over Sandy Lake Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.