US Bridges

LA0040 over Bills Branch

Fair

St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana · 0.1 M S of LA 437 · Structure no. 625202690804831

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
172 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
5,160
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0040 over Bills Branch is a concrete slab carrying LA0040 over Bills Branch in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 5,160 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,676 by 2041. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0040
CrossesBills Branch
Location0.1 M S of LA 437
RouteState Highway 40
CountySt. Tammany Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.61366, -90.1136
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,160 (2021)
Projected traffic5,676 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 LA0040 over Bills Branch built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0040 over Bills 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does LA0040 over Bills Branch carry?

About 5,160 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is LA0040 over Bills Branch?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns LA0040 over Bills Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.