US Bridges

LA0487 over Brushy Bayou

Poor

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 1.7 M S of Ajax · Structure no. 083501130307411

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
968
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0487 over Brushy Bayou is a steel culvert carrying LA0487 over Brushy Bayou in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 968 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,064 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0487
CrossesBrushy Bayou
Location1.7 M S of Ajax
RouteState Highway 487
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.83819, -93.3896
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating82.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic968 (2021)
Projected traffic1,064 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$198,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0487 over Brushy Bayou built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0487 over Brushy Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does LA0487 over Brushy Bayou carry?

About 968 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA0487 over Brushy Bayou?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns LA0487 over Brushy Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.