US Bridges

LA3257 over Pailet Canal

Fair

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana · 1.00 Mi. West of LA 302 · Structure no. 022608264804061

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
95 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
876
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA3257 over Pailet Canal is a concrete slab carrying LA3257 over Pailet Canal in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 876 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 963 by 2041. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA3257
CrossesPailet Canal
Location1.00 Mi. West of LA 302
RouteState Highway 3257
CountyJefferson Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.7205, -90.1212
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic876 (2021)
Projected traffic963 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was LA3257 over Pailet Canal built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA3257 over Pailet 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does LA3257 over Pailet Canal carry?

About 876 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA3257 over Pailet Canal?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns LA3257 over Pailet Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.