US Bridges

LA0394 over Woodard Branch

PoorPosted for load

Beauregard Parish, Louisiana · 0.9 Mi. E of US 171 · Structure no. 070601890100961

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
490
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0394 over Woodard Branch is a concrete slab carrying LA0394 over Woodard Branch in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 490 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 539 by 2041. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesLA0394
CrossesWoodard Branch
Location0.9 Mi. E of US 171
RouteState Highway 394
Coordinates30.77817, -93.22806
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic490 (2021)
Projected traffic539 by 2041
Trucks17%
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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0394 over Woodard Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0394 over Woodard Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does LA0394 over Woodard Branch carry?

About 490 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is LA0394 over Woodard Branch?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns LA0394 over Woodard Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.