US Bridges

Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou

Poor

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana · 1.8 M S of LA 30 · Structure no. 611730215911031

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
752
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 752 vehicles a day, projected to reach 827 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBen Hur RD
CrossesElbow Bayou
Location1.8 M S of LA 30
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEast Baton Rouge Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.35759, -91.17205
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic752 (2023)
Projected traffic827 by 2043
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$274,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou carry?

About 752 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Ben Hur RD over Elbow Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.