US Bridges

Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee

Fair

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · .25 MI NE of LA Ave · Structure no. 032830155915961

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
370
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 370 vehicles a day, projected to reach 407 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShadow Bluff DR
CrossesFrancois Coulee
Location.25 MI NE of LA Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.26011, -91.99495
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic370 (2020)
Projected traffic407 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shadow Bluff DR 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee carry?

About 370 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Shadow Bluff DR over Francois Coulee?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.