US Bridges

LA9873 over Drainage Canal

Fair

West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana · 0.4 Miles East of HWY 415 · Structure no. 616108610600371

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,725
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA9873 over Drainage Canal is a steel culvert carrying LA9873 over Drainage Canal in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,725 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,897 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA9873
CrossesDrainage Canal
Location0.4 Miles East of HWY 415
RouteState Highway 9873
CountyWest Baton Rouge Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.47772, -91.24436
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating82.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,725 (2021)
Projected traffic1,897 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 LA9873 over Drainage Canal built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA9873 over Drainage 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does LA9873 over Drainage Canal carry?

About 1,725 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is LA9873 over Drainage Canal?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns LA9873 over Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.