US Bridges

LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche

Fair

Lafourche Parish, Louisiana · .01 MI West of LA 308 · Structure no. 022900650600001

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
228 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,822
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 7,822 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,604 by 2041. The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0020
CrossesBayou Lafourche
Location.01 MI West of LA 308
RouteState Highway 20
CountyLafourche Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.79772, -90.82239
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length228 ft (69.5 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,822 (2021)
Projected traffic8,604 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche 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 LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche carry?

About 7,822 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche?

The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns LA0020 over Bayou Lafourche?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.