US Bridges

US0061 over Drain Canal

Good

St. James Parish, Louisiana · 6.24 M W of LA 641 · Structure no. 614700070507331

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
14,957
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0061 over Drain Canal is a concrete slab carrying US0061 over Drain Canal in St. James Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 14,957 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,452 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 43 ft wide.

CarriesUS0061
CrossesDrain Canal
Location6.24 M W of LA 641
RouteU.S. Route 61
Coordinates30.12367, -90.76675
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,957 (2021)
Projected traffic16,452 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US0061 over Drain Canal built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0061 over Drain Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does US0061 over Drain Canal carry?

About 14,957 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US0061 over Drain Canal?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US0061 over Drain Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.