US Bridges

Watkins Road over Canal

Fair

Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana · 4.2 M N of LA 14 · Structure no. 072730068925121

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watkins Road over Canal is a concrete slab carrying Watkins Road over Canal in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 52 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesWatkins Road
CrossesCanal
Location4.2 M N of LA 14
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson Davis Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.11443, -92.8541
Functional classRural 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic55 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 Watkins Road over Canal built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Watkins Road over 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Watkins Road over Canal carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Watkins Road over Canal?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Watkins Road over Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.