US Bridges

LA7281 over Francois Coulee

Fair

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · 1.7 MI S of LA 98 · Structure no. 032808280502791

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,684
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA7281 over Francois Coulee is a steel culvert carrying LA7281 over Francois Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 8,684 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,552 by 2038. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA7281
CrossesFrancois Coulee
Location1.7 MI S of LA 98
RouteState Highway 7281
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.27033, -92.00813
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,684 (2018)
Projected traffic9,552 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 LA7281 over Francois Coulee built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA7281 over Francois Coulee 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 2023.

How much traffic does LA7281 over Francois Coulee carry?

About 8,684 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is LA7281 over Francois Coulee?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns LA7281 over Francois Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.