US Bridges

LA0043 over Cotton Patch Branch

FairPosted for load

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 M N of LA 38 · Structure no. 624602540700171

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
825
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0043 over Cotton Patch Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0043 over Cotton Patch Branch in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 825 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 907 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 28 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0043
CrossesCotton Patch Branch
Location0.1 M N of LA 38
RouteState Highway 43
CountySt. Helena Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.93066, -90.6886
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic825 (2021)
Projected traffic907 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 Cotton Patch Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0043 over Cotton Patch 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 Cotton Patch Branch carry?

About 825 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA0043 over Cotton Patch Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns LA0043 over Cotton Patch Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.