US Bridges

Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou

FairPosted for load

St. Martin Parish, Louisiana · 0.2 Mi. W of LA 96 · Structure no. 035030130914181

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
171 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
414
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 414 vehicles a day, projected to reach 455 by 2040. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBayou Mercier Rd.
CrossesBerard Canal Bayou
Location0.2 Mi. W of LA 96
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Martin Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.21804, -91.69785
Functional classRural Local

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.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating19.3 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic414 (2020)
Projected traffic455 by 2040
Trucks—
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal 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 Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou carry?

About 414 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Bayou Mercier Rd. over Berard Canal Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.