US Bridges

LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek

Good

Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana · 1.1 MI East US 51 Inter. · Structure no. 625308534002741

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
220 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
18,303
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek is a concrete slab carrying LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 18,303 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,133 by 2041. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA3234
CrossesPonchatoula Creek
Location1.1 MI East US 51 Inter.
RouteState Highway 3234
CountyTangipahoa Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.51926, -90.4643
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,303 (2021)
Projected traffic20,133 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek carry?

About 18,303 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns LA3234 over Ponchatoula Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.