US Bridges

LA0038 over Drain

PoorPosted for load

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana · 0.6 M E of LA 432 · Structure no. 624602630103221

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
97 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
933
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0038 over Drain is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0038 over Drain in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 933 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,026 by 2041. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesLA0038
CrossesDrain
Location0.6 M E of LA 432
RouteState Highway 38
Coordinates30.92434, -90.7922
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length97 ft (29.6 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 traffic933 (2021)
Projected traffic1,026 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
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 LA0038 over Drain built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0038 over Drain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does LA0038 over Drain carry?

About 933 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA0038 over Drain?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns LA0038 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.