US Bridges

LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar

PoorPosted for load

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 0.52 Mi. SW of LA 461 · Structure no. 084000290504091

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
513 ft
27 main spans
Daily traffic
1,932
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,932 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,125 by 2041. The structure is 513 ft (156.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesLA0121
CrossesCalcasieu River Tributar
Location0.52 Mi. SW of LA 461
RouteState Highway 121
Coordinates31.12807, -92.7633
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans27
Design loadHS 20
Structure length513 ft (156.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,932 (2021)
Projected traffic2,125 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$2.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar carry?

About 1,932 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar?

The structure is 513 ft (156.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns LA0121 over Calcasieu River Tributar?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.