US Bridges

LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou

Good

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 0.25 M W of I - 49 · Structure no. 083500000083503

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 770 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0485
CrossesTapalcat Bayou
Location0.25 M W of I - 49
RouteState Highway 485
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.83686, -93.28132
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2021)
Projected traffic770 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns LA0485 over Tapalcat Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.