US Bridges

Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek

Good

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 M N of LA 426 · Structure no. 611730259910551

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,034
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,034 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14,337 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 118 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTara Blvd
CrossesN. Branch Wards Creek
Location0.1 M N of LA 426
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEast Baton Rouge Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.43291, -91.09127
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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 length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width118 ft (36.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,034 (2019)
Projected traffic14,337 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$222,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek carry?

About 13,034 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 118 ft wide.

Who owns Tara Blvd over N. Branch Wards Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.