US Bridges

LA0044 over Panama Canal

Good

Ascension Parish, Louisiana · Approx. 2.0 Mi. South of · Structure no. 610302650102371

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
13,542
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0044 over Panama Canal is a concrete slab carrying LA0044 over Panama Canal in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,542 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,896 by 2041. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0044
CrossesPanama Canal
LocationApprox. 2.0 Mi. South of
RouteState Highway 44
CountyAscension Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.17082, -90.91871
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,542 (2021)
Projected traffic14,896 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0044 over Panama Canal built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0044 over Panama Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does LA0044 over Panama Canal carry?

About 13,542 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is LA0044 over Panama Canal?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns LA0044 over Panama Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.