US Bridges

LA0322 over Bayou Teche

Fair

St. Mary Parish, Louisiana · 0.09 MI West of LA 87 · Structure no. 035104083100091

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
402 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,004
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0322 over Bayou Teche is a steel movable - swing carrying LA0322 over Bayou Teche in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5 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 1,004 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,104 by 2041. The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0322
CrossesBayou Teche
Location0.09 MI West of LA 87
RouteState Highway 322
CountySt. Mary Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.8029, -91.4903
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2 (+13 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length402 ft (122.5 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,004 (2021)
Projected traffic1,104 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0322 over Bayou Teche built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0322 over Bayou Teche 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does LA0322 over Bayou Teche carry?

About 1,004 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA0322 over Bayou Teche?

The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns LA0322 over Bayou Teche?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.