US Bridges

US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek

FairPosted for load

Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana · US0051 · Structure no. 625308533604211

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
186 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
21,457
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 21,457 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,602 by 2041. The structure is 186 ft (56.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0051
CrossesPonchatoula Creek
LocationUS0051
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyTangipahoa Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.45602, -90.4567
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length186 ft (56.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,457 (2021)
Projected traffic23,602 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$841,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0051 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek carry?

About 21,457 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek?

The structure is 186 ft (56.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US0051 over Ponchatoula Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.