US Bridges

LA0557 over Prairion Bayou

FairPosted for load

Ouachita Parish, Louisiana · 5.06 MI South of LA 34 · Structure no. 053701590306151

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,073
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0557 over Prairion Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA0557 over Prairion Bayou in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,073 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,180 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0557
CrossesPrairion Bayou
Location5.06 MI South of LA 34
RouteState Highway 557
CountyOuachita Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.34452, -92.2208
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,073 (2021)
Projected traffic1,180 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 LA0557 over Prairion Bayou built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0557 over Prairion 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does LA0557 over Prairion Bayou carry?

About 1,073 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is LA0557 over Prairion Bayou?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns LA0557 over Prairion Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.