US Bridges

E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee

FairPosted for load

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · 0.58 MI E of I-49 · Structure no. 032830173920021

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,122
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal 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 1981, so it is 44 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,122 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,234 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 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
Location0.58 MI E of I-49
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.28713, -92.01277
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 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 width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,122 (2020)
Projected traffic1,234 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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 1981, making it 44 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 1,122 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns E. Butcher Switch over Drainage Coulee?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.