US Bridges

LA0439 over Bens Creek

FairPosted for load

Washington Parish, Louisiana · 10.6 MI SE of LA 10 · Structure no. 625908592210671

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
135 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,235
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0439 over Bens Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0439 over Bens Creek in Washington Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,235 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,358 by 2041. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 28 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0439
CrossesBens Creek
Location10.6 MI SE of LA 10
RouteState Highway 439
CountyWashington Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.77328, -89.9217
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,235 (2021)
Projected traffic1,358 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 LA0439 over Bens Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0439 over Bens 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does LA0439 over Bens Creek carry?

About 1,235 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is LA0439 over Bens Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns LA0439 over Bens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.