US Bridges

Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate

Fair

St. Mary Parish, Louisiana · Charenton Levee · Structure no. 035129540913121

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16
2007 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 74 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 16 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 130 by 2040. The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesParish Route 18
CrossesCharenton Floodgate
LocationCharenton Levee
CountySt. Mary Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates29.90167, -91.51972
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (16 m)
Longest span52 ft (16 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16 (2007)
Projected traffic130 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$10,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate carry?

About 16 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate?

The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (16 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Parish Route 18 over Charenton Floodgate?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).