US Bridges

LA0438 over Law Canal

Fair

Washington Parish, Louisiana · 4.7M NE of JCT LA 38 · Structure no. 625902750104701

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
688
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0438 over Law Canal is a concrete slab carrying LA0438 over Law Canal in Washington Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger 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 688 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 756 by 2041. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0438
CrossesLaw Canal
Location4.7M NE of JCT LA 38
RouteState Highway 438
CountyWashington Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.97761, -90.23253
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic688 (2021)
Projected traffic756 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was LA0438 over Law Canal built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0438 over Law Canal 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does LA0438 over Law Canal carry?

About 688 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is LA0438 over Law Canal?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns LA0438 over Law Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.