US Bridges

Abell Road over Ditch

PoorPosted for load

Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana · 2.0 MI E of LA 101 · Structure no. 072730130925371

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Abell Road over Ditch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Abell Road over Ditch in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAbell Road
CrossesDitch
Location2.0 MI E of LA 101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson Davis Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.21687, -92.89497
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.3 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic55 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Abell Road over Ditch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Abell Road over Ditch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Abell Road over Ditch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Abell Road over Ditch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Abell Road over Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.