US Bridges

Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee

FairPosted for load

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · 0.02 MI E of LA 182 · Structure no. 032830166920301

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee is a concrete slab carrying Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 400 vehicles a day, projected to reach 440 by 2040. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBirdsong Rd.
CrossesGaston Coulee
Location0.02 MI E of LA 182
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.27763, -92.04953
Functional classRural 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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2020)
Projected traffic440 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Birdsong Rd. over Gaston 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 Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Birdsong Rd. over Gaston Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.