US Bridges

Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal

PoorPosted for load

Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana · 1.1 MI N of LA14 · Structure no. 072730049924751

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
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 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 33 by 2039. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 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
Location1.1 MI N of LA14
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson Davis Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.08158, -92.79186
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.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2019)
Projected traffic33 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 1972, making it 53 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 30 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Potter Rd. over Thornwell Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.