US Bridges

LA0438 over Drain

Fair

Washington Parish, Louisiana · 0.6 M W of LA 25 · Structure no. 625902750107931

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
152 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
688
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0438 over Drain is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0438 over Drain in Washington Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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.

It carries about 688 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 756 by 2041. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 27 ft wide.

CarriesLA0438
CrossesDrain
Location0.6 M W of LA 25
RouteState Highway 438
Coordinates30.99082, -90.19831
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 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 LA0438 over Drain built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0438 over Drain 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 Drain carry?

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

How long is LA0438 over Drain?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns LA0438 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.