US Bridges

LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek

FairPosted for load

Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana · 0.2 M W of US 51 · Structure no. 625302690404711

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
77 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,026
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek is a concrete slab carrying LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,026 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,528 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0442
CrossesPonchatoula Creek
Location0.2 M W of US 51
RouteState Highway 442
CountyTangipahoa Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.5772, -90.4887
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length77 ft (23.5 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 traffic5,026 (2021)
Projected traffic5,528 by 2041
Trucks9%
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 LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0442 over Ponchatoula 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek carry?

About 5,026 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns LA0442 over Ponchatoula Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.