US Bridges

E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee

Fair

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · 2.20 MI E of I-49 · Structure no. 032830172915911

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
224
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee is a concrete slab carrying E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 5 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 224 vehicles a day, projected to reach 246 by 2040. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesE. Butcher Switch
CrossesDrainage Coulee
Location2.20 MI E of I-49
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.28585, -91.98568
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic224 (2020)
Projected traffic246 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee carry?

About 224 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.