US Bridges

St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal

PoorPosted for load

Orleans Parish, Louisiana · 2.28 MI South of LA 39 · Structure no. 023629578900151

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
137 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
23,049
2021 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 23,049 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,353 by 2041. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSt. Claude /La 46
CrossesIndustrial Canal
Location2.28 MI South of LA 39
RouteState Highway 46
CountyOrleans Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.96387, -90.0277
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.8 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,049 (2021)
Projected traffic25,353 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$454,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal carry?

About 23,049 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal?

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.8 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns St. Claude /La 46 over Industrial Canal?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.