US Bridges

US0061 over Wards Creek

Fair

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana · 0.3 M N of US 61&LA 426 · Structure no. 611700079002771

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
54,042
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0061 over Wards Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US0061 over Wards Creek in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6 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 54,042 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 59,446 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 150 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0061
CrossesWards Creek
Location0.3 M N of US 61&LA 426
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyEast Baton Rouge Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.43569, -91.08351
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width150 ft (45.7 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic54,042 (2021)
Projected traffic59,446 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$243,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0061 over Wards Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0061 over Wards Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US0061 over Wards Creek carry?

About 54,042 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US0061 over Wards Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 150 ft wide.

Who owns US0061 over Wards Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.