US Bridges

LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou

Poor

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana · 2.9 MI East of US 79 · Structure no. 041402920200001

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
95 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
467
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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.

It carries about 467 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 513 by 2041. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesLA0518
CrossesBlack Lake Bayou
Location2.9 MI East of US 79
RouteState Highway 518
Coordinates32.65365, -93.18116
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic467 (2021)
Projected traffic513 by 2041
Trucks19%
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 LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0518 over Black Lake 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou carry?

About 467 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns LA0518 over Black Lake Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.