US Bridges

Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee

PoorPosted for load

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 Miles S of Simon Rd. · Structure no. 032830047920221

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 16 vehicles a day, projected to reach 17 by 2040. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSwitzerland Rd.
CrossesDarby Coulee
Location0.1 Miles S of Simon Rd.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.07851, -92.03709
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating12.5 US tons
Inventory rating9.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (2020)
Projected traffic17 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$231,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Switzerland Rd. over Darby Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.