US Bridges

Ward Line RD over Government Ditch

Fair

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 3.8 MI South of LA 14 · Structure no. 071030061930761

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,326
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ward Line RD over Government Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Ward Line RD over Government Ditch in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 1,326 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,458 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWard Line RD
CrossesGovernment Ditch
Location3.8 MI South of LA 14
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.10344, -93.12871
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,326 (2022)
Projected traffic1,458 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ward Line RD over Government Ditch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ward Line RD over Government Ditch 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 Ward Line RD over Government Ditch carry?

About 1,326 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Ward Line RD over Government Ditch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ward Line RD over Government Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.