US Bridges

I0049 over Cotton Bayou

Fair

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 0.71 Mi. North of LA 498 · Structure no. 084004550536111

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
260 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
25,033
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I0049 over Cotton Bayou is a concrete slab carrying I0049 over Cotton Bayou in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 25,033 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,536 by 2041. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI0049
CrossesCotton Bayou
Location0.71 Mi. North of LA 498
RouteInterstate 49
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.34868, -92.5274
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,033 (2021)
Projected traffic27,536 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I0049 over Cotton Bayou built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is I0049 over Cotton 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 I0049 over Cotton Bayou carry?

About 25,033 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I0049 over Cotton Bayou?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I0049 over Cotton Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.