US Bridges

LA0481 over Cow Bayou

Fair

De Soto Parish, Louisiana · 4.31 MI North of LA 191 · Structure no. 041602990204311

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
200 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
469
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0481 over Cow Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0481 over Cow Bayou in De Soto Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 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 469 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 515 by 2041. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0481
CrossesCow Bayou
Location4.31 MI North of LA 191
RouteState Highway 481
CountyDe Soto Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.89227, -93.7822
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic469 (2021)
Projected traffic515 by 2041
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 LA0481 over Cow Bayou built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0481 over Cow 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does LA0481 over Cow Bayou carry?

About 469 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is LA0481 over Cow Bayou?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns LA0481 over Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.