US Bridges

LA0022 over Panama Canal

Fair

Ascension Parish, Louisiana · 0.6 M SW of LA 22&LA 70 · Structure no. 610302660106851

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
74 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,576
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0022 over Panama Canal is a concrete tee beam carrying LA0022 over Panama Canal in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 22,576 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,833 by 2041. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0022
CrossesPanama Canal
Location0.6 M SW of LA 22&LA 70
RouteState Highway 22
CountyAscension Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.16014, -90.88681
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,576 (2021)
Projected traffic24,833 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$385,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0022 over Panama Canal built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0022 over Panama Canal 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does LA0022 over Panama Canal carry?

About 22,576 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is LA0022 over Panama Canal?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns LA0022 over Panama Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.