US Bridges

US0071 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 0.39 Mi. North of LA 3170 · Structure no. 084000080909901

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,157
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0071 over Drainage Ditch is a steel culvert carrying US0071 over Drainage Ditch in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 6 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 5,157 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,672 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 330 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0071
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.39 Mi. North of LA 3170
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.18781, -92.4201
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating82.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width330 ft (100.6 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,157 (2021)
Projected traffic5,672 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0071 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0071 over Drainage Ditch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US0071 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 5,157 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US0071 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 330 ft wide.

Who owns US0071 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.