US Bridges

LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal

Poor

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 3.0 Mi. E of US71 · Structure no. 084000000041152

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,442
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal is a concrete slab carrying LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 4,442 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,886 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA1208-1
CrossesHorseshoe Canal
Location3.0 Mi. E of US71
RouteState Highway 1208
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.27388, -92.43783
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,442 (2021)
Projected traffic4,886 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$585,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA1208-1 over Horseshoe 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal carry?

About 4,442 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns LA1208-1 over Horseshoe Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.