US Bridges

Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal

FairPosted for load

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana · 3.1 Mi.W.Of Bellchas · Structure no. 022629518900421

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
2,660 ft
34 main spans
Daily traffic
60,000
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 60,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 66,000 by 2009. The structure is 2,660 ft (810.8 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesLapalco Blvd
CrossesHarvey Canal
Location3.1 Mi.W.Of Bellchas
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.87009, -90.07374
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans34
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,660 ft (810.8 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60,000 (1989)
Projected traffic66,000 by 2009
Trucks—
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lapalco Blvd over Harvey 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 2023.

How much traffic does Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal carry?

About 60,000 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal?

The structure is 2,660 ft (810.8 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Lapalco Blvd over Harvey Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.