US Bridges

US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass

PoorPosted for load

Orleans Parish, Louisiana · 3.7 MI East of US 11 · Structure no. 023600060500001

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
1,175 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,215
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass is a steel movable - swing carrying US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,215 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,336 by 2041. The structure is 1,175 ft (358.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0090
CrossesChef Menteur Pass
Location3.7 MI East of US 11
RouteU.S. Route 90
CountyOrleans Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.06638, -89.80564
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating17.9 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+19 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,175 ft (358.1 m)
Longest span270 ft (82.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,215 (2021)
Projected traffic1,336 by 2041
Trucks20%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.6 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass carry?

About 1,215 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass?

The structure is 1,175 ft (358.1 m) long with a longest span of 270 ft (82.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns US0090 over Chef Menteur Pass?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.