State profile · Above median Poor share

Louisiana bridge safety

According to the Federal Highway Administration's 2024 National Bridge Inventory, condition ratings, load ratings, and Poor-condition shares for every public highway bridge in Louisiana.

12,698
Public bridges
38.7%
Good condition
11.5%
Poor condition

Louisiana holds 12,698 public highway bridges (#24 of 52 by inventory) with a 11.48% Poor share (#8 of 52 by Poor share).

That is 11.5% of the state's inventory, against an average of 7.5% across the 54 states and territories with Poor-rated bridges on file, which places it 45 of 54 ordered from the lowest Poor share upward. A bridge is rated Poor when its weakest applicable component scores 4 or below on the inspecting agency's 0-9 scale, so the category is a maintenance and funding signal rather than a closure order or a live crossing-safety verdict.

Inventory: FHWA NBI 2024 · last ETL August 2026

Total Bridges

12,698

Public highway bridges in Louisiana

Good Condition

38.7%

4,919 bridges rated 7-9

-11.3pp vs 50% benchmark

Poor Condition

11.5%

1,458 bridges whose lowest applicable component is rated 0-4

4.0pp vs national avg 7.5%

Louisiana vs national bridge condition

Louisiana - Good condition share 38.7%
National avg

Share of bridges rated 7-9 on the FHWA 0-9 scale (deck, superstructure, substructure all good).

Louisiana - Poor-condition share 38.3%
National avg

Lower is better. Bar maxes at 30% (worst-state ceiling). National average sits at 7.5%.

Louisiana in the national condition pattern

Each point is a state or territory in the FHWA NBI; the highlighted point is this profile.

Inventory size and Poor-condition share are different measures: Louisiana has 12,698 bridges and a 11.5% Poor-condition share in the 2024 NBI, rank #45 of 54 jurisdictions ordered from the lowest share upward. The dashed comparisons mark the national average state rate and the midpoint of the plotted inventory range; neither is a live safety or closure threshold. Scatter plot of 54 data points. 0%10%20%30%40% 0k20k40k60k Public bridges in inventory (thousands) Poor-condition share (%) LA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 12.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 11.48%AL, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 16.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 3.35%AK, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 1.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.89%AZ, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 8.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.15%AR, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 13k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.43%CA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 25.8k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.91%CO, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 9k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.82%CT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.72%DE, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.26%DC, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.95%FL, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 13k · Poor-condition share (%): 2.79%GA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 15.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.59%GU, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0k · Poor-condition share (%): 12.77%HI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 1.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.53%ID, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.9%IL, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 26.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 9.35%IN, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 19.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.22%IA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 23.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 19.16%KS, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 24.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.26%KY, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 14.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.37%ME, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 15.41%MD, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.56%MA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 8.88%MI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 11.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 11.27%MN, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 13.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.44%MS, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 16.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.03%MO, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 24.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 8.95%MT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.81%NE, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 15.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.9%NV, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.14%NH, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.51%NJ, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 6.8k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.01%NM, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.51%NY, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 17.6k · Poor-condition share (%): 9.43%NC, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 19.2k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.76%ND, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 4.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 10.98%OH, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 26.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.74%OK, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 22.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 7.7%OR, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 8.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.61%PA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 23.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 12.58%PR, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 13.92%RI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0.8k · Poor-condition share (%): 15.2%SC, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 9.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.17%SD, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 5.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 16.36%TN, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 20.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 4.41%TX, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 56.7k · Poor-condition share (%): 1.23%UT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 3.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 2.91%VT, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 2.9k · Poor-condition share (%): 2.9%VI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 0k · Poor-condition share (%): 29.17%VA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 14.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 3.39%WA, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 8.5k · Poor-condition share (%): 5.45%WV, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 7.3k · Poor-condition share (%): 18.64%WI, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 14.4k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.52%WY, Public bridges in inventory (thousands): 3.1k · Poor-condition share (%): 6.51%
Inventory size and Poor-condition share are different measures: Louisiana has 12,698 bridges and a 11.5% Poor-condition share in the 2024 NBI, rank #45 of 54 jurisdictions ordered from the lowest share upward. The dashed comparisons mark the national average state rate and the midpoint of the plotted inventory range; neither is a live safety or closure threshold.

Louisiana vs all states by public bridge inventory

Where this state's FHWA NBI public-highway bridge count sits among every state and territory on PlainBridges

12,698 24th of 54 higher than 30 of 54 states

States and territories, banded by public bridge inventory size

Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source FHWA National Bridge Inventory · 2024

Read the rank neighborhood for Louisiana

The highlighted point is Louisiana: 12,698 bridges and 11.48% in Poor condition, rank #45 of 54 jurisdictions ordered from the lowest share upward. The five jurisdictions immediately above and below Louisiana on that same Poor-share ordering:

  • North Dakota: 4,255 bridges · 10.98% Poor
  • Michigan: 11,371 bridges · 11.27% Poor
  • Louisiana: 12,698 bridges · 11.48% Poor
  • Pennsylvania: 23,299 bridges · 12.58% Poor
  • Guam: 47 bridges · 12.77% Poor

The full national sortable table lives on the rankings page.

Material families in Louisiana

Exclusive FHWA material families across all 12,698 bridges in this state; continuous variants fold into the parent family. Orthogonal to the Poor-share scatter above.

Who maintains Louisiana’s inventory

State agency holds 61.0% of the 12,698 public highway bridges filed under Louisiana in the 2024 NBI, the agency-of-record split for this state, not a condition verdict.

When Louisiana’s bridges were built

Pre-1950 construction accounts for 4.2% of the 12,698 bridges with a recorded original year in Louisiana. Era bands are orthogonal to the Poor-share ranking above.

Condition Distribution

Louisiana38.7%49.8%11.5%GoodFairPoor
Bridge inventory deck-condition mix - Louisiana (FHWA NBI)

Louisiana vs nearby ranks

Adjacent states by Poor-condition share (lower share = better)

States are ranked by the share of bridges whose lowest applicable component rating is 4 or below. This describes recorded condition; it does not measure funding effectiveness or live crossing safety. States here sit immediately above and below Louisiana on the same metric.

ND

North Dakota

10.98% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$4,255

MI

Michigan

11.27% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$11,371
Selected

LA

Louisiana

11.48% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$12,698

PA

Pennsylvania

12.58% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$23,299

GU

Guam

12.77% top marginal rate
Structure
Progressive
Burden @ $100K
$47

Bridges Needing Most Attention in Louisiana

Six lowest-condition bridges in Louisiana, ranked by the portal's composite display score. Inspection intervals are risk-based under current NBIS rules.

All Bridges in Louisiana

I0049

Good

Over: ST. VINCENT AVENUE

2.58 M. NORTH OF LA 511, Caddo, LA

Built 1994 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 87,567

I0049

Good

Over: SWEEPCO R/R

0.46 MI S OF US 84 INTG, De Soto, LA

Built 1986 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 28,142

LA0783

Good

Over: DRY CREEK

7.59 MI NORTH OF LA 783, Red River, LA

Built 1978 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 345

US0165

Good

Over: US 165-B & MP RR @ RILLA

.28 MI NORTH OF US 165 BU, Ouachita, LA

Built 1984 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 29,759

PONY GREER RD

Good

Over: BEE BAYOU

0.5 MI E of LA 3048, Richland, LA

Built 2005 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 350

LA0582

Good

Over: MILL BAYOU

2.6 MI E of LA 17, West Carroll, LA

Built 1983 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 593

WEST LOGAN ST

Good

Over: GUM SLOUGH

0.003 MI E of PICARD RD, Calcasieu, LA

Built 2011 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 150

LA3086

Good

Over: SERPENT BAYOU

3.2 MI N of LA 102, Jefferson Davis, LA

Built 1990 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 369

LA1240

Good

Over: LAPET CREEK

3.57 MI. N OF US 71, Grant, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 229

LA1240

Good

Over: FOUCHMIAH CREEK

5.66 MI. N OF US 71, Grant, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 229

LA0155

Good

Over: BLACK LAKE BAYOU

3.9 MI. W OF INT LA153, Natchitoches, LA

Built 1992 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 640

LA0155

Good

Over: MCGEE BRANCH

1.9 MI. W OF INT LA153, Natchitoches, LA

Built 1992 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 513

LA0155

Good

Over: BUCKET CREEK

0.2 MI. W OF INT LA153, Natchitoches, LA

Built 1992 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 513

I0049

Good

Over: LA 120

I-49 / LA 120 INTG., Natchitoches, LA

Built 1988 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 18,305

I0049

Good

Over: LA 120

I-49 / LA 120 INTG., Natchitoches, LA

Built 1988 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 28,142

I0049

Good

Over: LA 6

I-49 / LA 6 INTG., Natchitoches, LA

Built 1987 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 18,305

I0049

Good

Over: LA 6

I-49/LA 6 INTG., Natchitoches, LA

Built 1987 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 28,142

I0049

Good

Over: LA 485

I-49 / LA 485 INTG., Natchitoches, LA

Built 1987 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 18,305

I0049

Good

Over: LA 485

I-49/LA 485 INTG., Natchitoches, LA

Built 1987 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 28,142

LA0008

Good

Over: DEVIL CREEK

6.15 M. SOUTH OF LA 119, Rapides, LA

Built 2004 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 1,127

LA0008

Good

Over: CREEK

4.16 M SOUTH OF LA 119, Rapides, LA

Built 2004 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 1,127

LA0008

Good

Over: BAYOU PINE

1.75 M SOUTH OF LA 119, Rapides, LA

Built 2004 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 1,127

LA0008

Good

Over: CREEK

.87 M SOUTH OF LA 119, Rapides, LA

Built 2004 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 1,456

I0049

Good

Over: LA 3265

I-49 / LA 3265 INTG., Rapides, LA

Built 1990 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 20,572

I0049

Good

Over: LA 3265

I-49 / LA 3265 INTG., Rapides, LA

Built 1990 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 11,969

I0049

Good

Over: GROUND

NORTH I-49 / US 71 INTG., Rapides, LA

Built 1995 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 15,642

I0049

Good

Over: COTTON BAYOU

0.71 MI. NORTH OF LA 498, Rapides, LA

Built 1991 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 20,561

LA0008

Good

Over: DEVILS CREEK

7.59 MI E JCT LA 465&LA8, Vernon, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 5,978

LA0008

Good

Over: DEVILS CREEK

7.65 MI E JCT LA 465& LA8, Vernon, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 5,978

LA0465

Good

Over: BLACKJACK BRANCH

1.54 M E OF JCT LA 117, Vernon, LA

Built 1999 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 115

LA0465

Good

Over: COMRADE CREEK RELIEF

7.44 M. E. OF JCT LA 117, Vernon, LA

Built 1999 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 171

LA0465

Good

Over: COMRADE CREEK

7.55 M. E. OF JCT LA 117, Vernon, LA

Built 1999 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 171

LA0465

Good

Over: COMRADE CREEK RELIEF

7.75 M. E. OF JCT. LA 117, Vernon, LA

Built 1999 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 171

LA0489

Good

Over: CALCASIEU RIVER

4.89 MI. N. OF LA 121, Vernon, LA

Built 1999 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 639

LA0489

Good

Over: CALCASIEU RIVER RELIEF

5.18 M N OF LA 121, Vernon, LA

Built 1999 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 639

US0084

Good

Over: BRUSHY CREEK

2.9 MI EAST OF LA 34, Winn, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 2,526

US0084

Good

Over: BRUSHY CREEK

3.10 MI EAST OF LA 34, Winn, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 2,526

US0084

Good

Over: CREEK

3.16 MI EAST OF LA 34, Winn, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 2,526

US0084

Good

Over: CREEK

1.5 MI EAST OF LA 124, Winn, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 891

US0084

Good

Over: BIG BRANCH

2.4 MI EAST OF LA 124, Winn, LA

Built 2003 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 891

LA0126

Good

Over: BIG CREEK

.6 MI EAST OF LA 1234, Winn, LA

Built 1992 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 742

LA0499

Good

Over: BEECH CREEK

7.28 MI EAST OF LA 34, Winn, LA

Built 1995 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 394

LA0499

Good

Over: FLAT CREEK

1.02 MI NTH. JCT. LA126, Winn, LA

Built 1996 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 114

LA0499

Good

Over: TURKEY CREEK

3.65 MI NORTH OF LA 126, Winn, LA

Built 1996 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 114

LA0499

Good

Over: SPRING CREEK

4.71 MI NORTH JCT LA 126, Winn, LA

Built 1997 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 114

LA0499

Good

Over: TURKEY CREEK

5.01 MI. NORTH OF LA 126, Winn, LA

Built 1997 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 114

LA0505

Good

Over: BIG CREEK

6.47 MI WEST OF US 167, Winn, LA

Built 1996 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 511

LA0126

Good

Over: CREEK

2.2 MI N OF LA 851, Caldwell, LA

Built 1982 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 1,092

LA0004

Good

Over: BILLS CREEK RELIEF

3.5 MI W OF LA 846, Caldwell, LA

Built 1976 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 311

LA0506

Good

Over: KINNERSON CREEK

0.79 M W of LA 843, Caldwell, LA

Built 1984 Load: 39.0 t ADT: 306

Showing 9,501-9,550 of 12,698 bridges

Data sourced from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI), latest released cycle. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Poor condition is an inspection-record category, not a closure or unsafe-to-cross designation. Consult the bridge owner for current status.

What to do with this

Use Louisiana's inventory picture to drill to a county or a specific span.

  • Browse counties in Louisiana and open the highest-Poor shares first. County list
  • See where this state sits among peers on Poor-condition share. State rankings
  • Compare this state with another jurisdiction on the same measures. State compare

NBI condition ratings are inventory snapshots, not live crossing-safety verdicts.

Every figure on PlainBridges is rendered directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. Louisiana Good/Fair/Poor shares and county rollups on this page are computed from the same NBI extract as the national boards; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2024 NBI release. NBI condition categories reflect the latest reported inventory record, not a live safety, closure, or travel decision.