US Bridges

LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M.

FairPosted for load

St. Martin Parish, Louisiana · 0.13 MI East of LA 31 · Structure no. 035002380300131

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
230 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,684
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M. is a steel movable - swing carrying LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M. in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,684 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,552 by 2041. The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0096
CrossesBayou Teche ST M.
Location0.13 MI East of LA 31
RouteState Highway 96
CountySt. Martin Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.12327, -91.8269
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length230 ft (70.1 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,684 (2021)
Projected traffic9,552 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M. built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M. 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M. carry?

About 8,684 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M.?

The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns LA0096 over Bayou Teche ST M.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.