US Bridges

Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal

PoorPosted for load

Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana · 0.6 MI N of LA 14 · Structure no. 072730044924751

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
160
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal is a concrete slab carrying Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 160 vehicles a day, projected to reach 176 by 2039. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPotter Rd.
CrossesThornwell Drainage Canal
Location0.6 MI N of LA 14
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson Davis Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.07373, -92.79172
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160 (2019)
Projected traffic176 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.