US Bridges

Nelson Road over Canal

Poor

Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana · 0.3 MI N of LA 1126 · Structure no. 072730115924751

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson Road over Canal is a concrete slab carrying Nelson Road over Canal in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1973, 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 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2039. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesNelson Road
CrossesCanal
Location0.3 MI N of LA 1126
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates30.19189, -92.79171
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 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 (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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 Nelson Road over Canal built?

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

What condition is Nelson Road over 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Nelson Road over Canal carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Nelson Road over 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 Nelson Road over Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.