US Bridges

LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou

Fair

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 2.0 Mi. N of Int LA1227 · Structure no. 083503590205021

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
200 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
495
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 495 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 544 by 2041. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA1226
CrossesBlack Lake Bayou
Location2.0 Mi. N of Int LA1227
RouteState Highway 1226
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.87324, -92.9665
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic495 (2021)
Projected traffic544 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou carry?

About 495 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns LA1226 over Black Lake Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.