US Bridges

LA0038 over Joiners Creek

FairPosted for load

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana · 3.2 M W of LA 43 · Structure no. 624602630106011

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
77 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
933
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0038 over Joiners Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0038 over Joiners Creek 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 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 933 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,026 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 27 ft wide.

CarriesLA0038
CrossesJoiners Creek
Location3.2 M W of LA 43
RouteState Highway 38
Coordinates30.92779, -90.7458
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating17 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 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 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 LA0038 over Joiners Creek built?

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

What condition is LA0038 over Joiners Creek 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 LA0038 over Joiners Creek carry?

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

How long is LA0038 over Joiners Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns LA0038 over Joiners Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.