US Bridges

I0020 over Bayou Despair

Fair

Madison Parish, Louisiana · 6.0 MI West of US 65 · Structure no. 053304510810222

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
500 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
31,481
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I0020 over Bayou Despair is a concrete slab carrying I0020 over Bayou Despair in Madison Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 31,481 vehicles a day, roughly 37% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,629 by 2041. The structure is 500 ft (152.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesI0020
CrossesBayou Despair
Location6.0 MI West of US 65
RouteInterstate 20
CountyMadison Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.41919, -91.2969
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans20
Design loadHS 20
Structure length500 ft (152.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,481 (2021)
Projected traffic34,629 by 2041
Trucks37%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I0020 over Bayou Despair built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I0020 over Bayou Despair 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I0020 over Bayou Despair carry?

About 31,481 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 37% are trucks.

How long is I0020 over Bayou Despair?

The structure is 500 ft (152.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I0020 over Bayou Despair?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.