US Bridges

LA0487 over Drain

Fair

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 3.45 M N of LA 120 · Structure no. 083501130303451

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
968
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0487 over Drain is a steel culvert carrying LA0487 over Drain in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 968 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,064 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesLA0487
CrossesDrain
Location3.45 M N of LA 120
RouteState Highway 487
Coordinates31.78508, -93.38778
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating82.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic968 (2021)
Projected traffic1,064 by 2041
Trucks14%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 LA0487 over Drain built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0487 over Drain 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does LA0487 over Drain carry?

About 968 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA0487 over Drain?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns LA0487 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.