US Bridges

LA0020 over Drainage Canal

FairPosted for load

Lafourche Parish, Louisiana · 5.2 MI North of LA 308 · Structure no. 022900650605201

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,091
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0020 over Drainage Canal is a concrete slab carrying LA0020 over Drainage Canal in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 20,091 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,100 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0020
CrossesDrainage Canal
Location5.2 MI North of LA 308
RouteState Highway 20
CountyLafourche Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.86737, -90.80231
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,091 (2021)
Projected traffic22,100 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$229,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0020 over Drainage Canal built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0020 over Drainage Canal 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does LA0020 over Drainage Canal carry?

About 20,091 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is LA0020 over Drainage Canal?

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 LA0020 over Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.