US Bridges

Ambassador Caffery over Coulee

Good

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · .51 MI S of LA 3184 · Structure no. 032830135920411

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,612
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ambassador Caffery over Coulee is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ambassador Caffery over Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 18,612 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20,473 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAmbassador Caffery
CrossesCoulee
Location.51 MI S of LA 3184
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.22468, -92.06914
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.8 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,612 (2020)
Projected traffic20,473 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ambassador Caffery over Coulee built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ambassador Caffery over Coulee in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Ambassador Caffery over Coulee carry?

About 18,612 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Ambassador Caffery over Coulee?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Ambassador Caffery over Coulee?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.