US Bridges

LA0537 over Drain

Fair

Bossier Parish, Louisiana · 7.6 MI North of LA 2 · Structure no. 040808080507601

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
67
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0537 over Drain is a concrete slab carrying LA0537 over Drain in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 67 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 73 by 2041. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesLA0537
CrossesDrain
Location7.6 MI North of LA 2
RouteState Highway 537
Coordinates32.9648, -93.76
Functional classRural Local

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67 (2021)
Projected traffic73 by 2041
Trucks20%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$312,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0537 over Drain built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0537 over Drain 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does LA0537 over Drain carry?

About 67 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is LA0537 over Drain?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns LA0537 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.