US Bridges

LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch

Fair

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 M N of LA 10 · Structure no. 624602540600301

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
134 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,419
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch is a concrete slab carrying LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 1,419 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,560 by 2041. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 43 ft wide.

CarriesLA0043
CrossesST Joseph Branch
Location0.1 M N of LA 10
RouteState Highway 43
Coordinates30.83361, -90.6664
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,419 (2021)
Projected traffic1,560 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch carry?

About 1,419 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns LA0043 over ST Joseph Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.