US Bridges

N Foster DR over Melrose Canal

FairPosted for load

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana · .94 MI N LA 73 LA 37 JCT · Structure no. 611730273910821

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,724
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

N Foster DR over Melrose Canal is a concrete slab carrying N Foster DR over Melrose Canal in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10,724 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,796 by 2045. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesN Foster DR
CrossesMelrose Canal
Location.94 MI N LA 73 LA 37 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEast Baton Rouge Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.45817, -91.13936
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,724 (2025)
Projected traffic11,796 by 2045
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$481,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N Foster DR over Melrose Canal built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is N Foster DR over Melrose Canal 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does N Foster DR over Melrose Canal carry?

About 10,724 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is N Foster DR over Melrose Canal?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns N Foster DR over Melrose Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.