US Bridges

LA0540 over Beaver Branch

Fair

Claiborne Parish, Louisiana · .92 MI West of US 79 · Structure no. 041403350200921

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
888
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0540 over Beaver Branch is a concrete slab carrying LA0540 over Beaver Branch in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 888 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 976 by 2041. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0540
CrossesBeaver Branch
Location.92 MI West of US 79
RouteState Highway 540
CountyClaiborne Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.80145, -93.0677
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 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 traffic888 (2021)
Projected traffic976 by 2041
Trucks25%
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 LA0540 over Beaver Branch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0540 over Beaver 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does LA0540 over Beaver Branch carry?

About 888 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is LA0540 over Beaver Branch?

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 LA0540 over Beaver Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.