US Bridges

LA0117 over St. Johns Creek

Poor

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 0.58 Mi. South of LA 6 · Structure no. 083501140313241

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,420
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0117 over St. Johns Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0117 over St. Johns Creek in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 48 years old, older 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.

It carries about 3,420 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,762 by 2041. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesLA0117
CrossesSt. Johns Creek
Location0.58 Mi. South of LA 6
RouteState Highway 117
Coordinates31.70609, -93.21663
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,420 (2021)
Projected traffic3,762 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$315,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0117 over St. Johns Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is LA0117 over St. Johns Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does LA0117 over St. Johns Creek carry?

About 3,420 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA0117 over St. Johns Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns LA0117 over St. Johns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.