US Bridges

LA3251 over Smith Bayou

Fair

Ascension Parish, Louisiana · 2.9 MI NE of LA 75 · Structure no. 610308033102901

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,016
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA3251 over Smith Bayou is a concrete slab carrying LA3251 over Smith Bayou in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 4,016 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,417 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA3251
CrossesSmith Bayou
Location2.9 MI NE of LA 75
RouteState Highway 3251
CountyAscension Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.19871, -90.96409
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,016 (2021)
Projected traffic4,417 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$229,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA3251 over Smith Bayou built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA3251 over Smith 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 2023.

How much traffic does LA3251 over Smith Bayou carry?

About 4,016 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is LA3251 over Smith Bayou?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns LA3251 over Smith Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.