US Bridges

Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal

PoorPosted for load

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana · 0.3 MI S of LA 385 · Structure no. 071030132931341

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,548
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal is a concrete tee beam carrying Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 4 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 8,548 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,402 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesShell Beach DR
CrossesDrainage Canal
Location0.3 MI S of LA 385
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalcasieu Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.22093, -93.22388
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,548 (2021)
Projected traffic9,402 by 2041
Trucks—
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$409,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal carry?

About 8,548 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Shell Beach DR over Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.