US Bridges

LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre

Fair

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana · 4.6 MI East of LA 300 · Structure no. 024402840204921

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,536
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre is a steel movable - lift carrying LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,536 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,689 by 2041. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0046
CrossesBayou LA Loutre
Location4.6 MI East of LA 300
RouteState Highway 46
CountySt. Bernard Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.8387, -89.6879
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,536 (2021)
Projected traffic1,689 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$624,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre carry?

About 1,536 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns LA0046 over Bayou LA Loutre?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.