US Bridges

LA0538 over Tiger Branch

Fair

Caddo Parish, Louisiana · 1.8 MI North of North Int · Structure no. 040900780307071

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
962
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0538 over Tiger Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0538 over Tiger Branch in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 962 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,058 by 2041. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0538
CrossesTiger Branch
Location1.8 MI North of North Int
RouteState Highway 538
CountyCaddo Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.788, -93.9791
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic962 (2021)
Projected traffic1,058 by 2041
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$412,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0538 over Tiger Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0538 over Tiger Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does LA0538 over Tiger Branch carry?

About 962 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is LA0538 over Tiger Branch?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns LA0538 over Tiger Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.