US Bridges

LA1204 over Flagon Bayou

Poor

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 1.29 Mi. E of LA3225 · Structure no. 084008403101291

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
77 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,440
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA1204 over Flagon Bayou is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA1204 over Flagon Bayou 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.

It carries about 2,440 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,684 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesLA1204
CrossesFlagon Bayou
Location1.29 Mi. E of LA3225
RouteState Highway 1204
Coordinates31.41608, -92.434
Functional classUrban 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,440 (2021)
Projected traffic2,684 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$397,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA1204 over Flagon Bayou built?

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

What condition is LA1204 over Flagon 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does LA1204 over Flagon Bayou carry?

About 2,440 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is LA1204 over Flagon Bayou?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns LA1204 over Flagon Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.