Worst Bridges in Louisiana
Bridges with the lowest condition ratings in Louisiana. Louisiana has 1,458 bridges in poor condition (11.5% of 12,698 total bridges).
12,698
Total Bridges
11.5%
In Poor Condition
1,458
Poor Bridges
10
Listed Below
Understanding Bridge Conditions in Louisiana
Louisiana's bridge infrastructure reflects decades of construction, maintenance, and replacement decisions influenced by geography, climate, traffic patterns, and available funding. With 1,458 bridges currently rated in poor condition (11.5% of the total inventory), understanding what these ratings mean helps residents and policymakers make informed decisions about infrastructure investment.
Federal inspectors evaluate three key components on every highway bridge: the deck (the driving surface and its immediate supports), the superstructure (beams, girders, trusses, or other primary load-carrying members), and the substructure (piers, abutments, and foundations that transfer loads to the ground). Each component receives a rating from 0 to 9, with the lowest of these three ratings determining the overall condition category. A rating of 4 or below classifies a bridge as “poor,” indicating significant structural deterioration that warrants prioritized attention.
Poor-rated bridges remain safe for use at their posted limits because federal law requires that any bridge with load-carrying deficiencies be either repaired, posted with weight restrictions, or closed. Many poor-rated bridges receive more frequent inspections than the standard 24-month cycle, allowing engineers to monitor deterioration rates and ensure conditions have not worsened beyond safe operating limits. Weight restrictions protect the structure while allowing continued service until rehabilitation or replacement can be funded and constructed.
Infrastructure investment decisions involve difficult trade-offs between maintaining aging structures and building new capacity. Bridges listed below represent the most deteriorated structures in Louisiana's inventory, where rehabilitation or replacement investment would have the greatest impact on improving overall infrastructure condition. Understanding where these bridges are located helps communities advocate for appropriate funding and plan alternative routes when load restrictions affect commercial traffic.
Condition Rating Scale
Failed to Critical
Closed or severely restricted. Major deterioration requiring immediate action.
Serious to Poor
Significant deterioration affecting capacity. Often weight-restricted.
Fair
Minor deterioration visible. Maintenance recommended but not urgent.
Good to Excellent
Components in sound condition with no significant deficiencies.
Lowest Rated Bridges in Louisiana
| Rank | Bridge | Rating | Year Built | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | UNNAMED RD over I-10 3.1 MI EAST OF I-510 | 0 | 1969 | Poor |
| #2 | UNNAMED RD over I-10 4.5 MI EAST OF I-510 | 0 | 1969 | Poor |
| #3 | Almonaster Ave over INNER HARBOR NAVIGATION 0.01 MI E OF FRANCE RD | 0 | 1919 | Poor |
| #4 | LA0024 over CO. CANAL (BOURG) 1.20 MI W OF LA 24 | 0 | 1951 | Poor |
| #5 | LA0056 over ROBINSON CANAL 1.7 MI NORTH OF LA 57 | 0 | 1966 | Poor |
| #6 | LA3197 over HOUMA CANAL .4 MI EAST OF LA 182 | 0 | 1938 | Poor |
| #7 | MANDALAY BRIDGE over BLACK BAYOU 0.005 MI N OF LA 182 | 0 | 1969 | Poor |
| #8 | Beiber Rd over NEZPIQUE BAYOU 3.65 Mi W of La 1160 | 0 | 1965 | Poor |
| #9 | Jot Em Down Rd over TRIBUTARY TO SALING BAYO 1.8 MI. NO. OF LA 50 | 0 | 1952 | Poor |
| #10 | Calhoun Rd over TRIBUTARY TO BEAR CREEK 0.2 MI E OF LA 9 | 0 | 1978 | Poor |
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Data Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory 2024
Bridge inspection data is typically updated every 24 months. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
“Structurally deficient” does not mean a bridge is unsafe or likely to collapse. It indicates that one or more key structural elements are in poor or worse condition. Bridges are inspected regularly and may have load restrictions in place.
This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used for route clearance or vehicle weight decisions.