US Bridges

LA0039 over Drain Canal

Fair

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana · 2.37 MI North of LA 36 · Structure no. 024400463202371

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
47,739
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0039 over Drain Canal is a concrete culvert carrying LA0039 over Drain Canal in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 47,739 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 52,512 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0039
CrossesDrain Canal
Location2.37 MI North of LA 36
RouteState Highway 39
CountySt. Bernard Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.94622, -89.9718
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width82 ft (25 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,739 (2021)
Projected traffic52,512 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$223,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0039 over Drain Canal built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0039 over Drain 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does LA0039 over Drain Canal carry?

About 47,739 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is LA0039 over Drain Canal?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns LA0039 over Drain Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.