US Bridges

US0071 over Diversion Canal

Fair

Rapides Parish, Louisiana · 0.73 Mi. N. of LA 1208-2 · Structure no. 084000083001051

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,561
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0071 over Diversion Canal is a concrete culvert carrying US0071 over Diversion Canal in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 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 17,561 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,317 by 2041. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 265 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0071
CrossesDiversion Canal
Location0.73 Mi. N. of LA 1208-2
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyRapides Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.27131, -92.46309
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width265 ft (80.8 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,561 (2021)
Projected traffic19,317 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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$546,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0071 over Diversion Canal built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0071 over Diversion 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US0071 over Diversion Canal carry?

About 17,561 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US0071 over Diversion Canal?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 265 ft wide.

Who owns US0071 over Diversion Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.