US Bridges

US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal

Fair

Orleans Parish, Louisiana · 0.6 Mi. West of I-10 · Structure no. 023600070101702

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
134 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
28,615
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 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 28,615 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,476 by 2041. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 51 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0061
CrossesMetairie Relief Canal
Location0.6 Mi. West of I-10
RouteU.S. Route 61
CountyOrleans Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.97145, -90.11709
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,615 (2021)
Projected traffic31,476 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$670,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0061 over Metairie Relief 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal carry?

About 28,615 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US0061 over Metairie Relief Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.