US Bridges

LA3256 over Canal

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 2.1 Mi. E of LA 397 · Structure no. 071008101501801

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,111
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA3256 over Canal is a concrete slab carrying LA3256 over Canal in Calcasieu 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 1,111 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,222 by 2041. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA3256
CrossesCanal
Location2.1 Mi. E of LA 397
RouteState Highway 3256
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.24352, -93.0947
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,111 (2021)
Projected traffic1,222 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA3256 over Canal built?

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

What condition is LA3256 over 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does LA3256 over Canal carry?

About 1,111 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is LA3256 over Canal?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns LA3256 over Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.