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

LA0027

Fair

Over: DRY CREEK

6.17 MI. NORTH OF LA 12, Beauregard, LA

Built 1954 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,695

W. SALE RD

Fair

Over: CONTRABAND BAYOU

0.9 MI W. OF LA 385, Calcasieu, LA

Built 1990 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 14,015

MILLER OILFIELD RD

Fair

Over: GULLY

1.1 MI E of LA 101, Jefferson Davis, LA

Built 1981 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 50

FREELAND ROAD

Fair

Over: BAYOU

0.6 MI S of MARCANTEL RD, Jefferson Davis, LA

Built 1975 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 60

LA0494

Fair

Over: CREEK

1.52 MI. E OF INT LA1, Natchitoches, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 726

US0171

Fair

Over: BAYOU SAN MIGUEL

0.96 MI. NORTH OF LA 120, Sabine, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,790

US0171

Fair

Over: BEAR CREEK

3.96 MI. NORTH OF LA 174, Sabine, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 5,228

LA0117

Fair

Over: CALCASIEU RIVER

3.26 MI. NORTH OF LA 111, Vernon, LA

Built 1962 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 1,513

LA0465

Fair

Over: BALL BRANCH

5.25 MI EAST OF LA 8, Vernon, LA

Built 1981 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 500

LA0499

Fair

Over: BRUSHY CREEK

3.17 MI EAST OF LA 34, Winn, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 394

US0084

Fair

Over: HAIRS CREEK

1.4 MI EAST OF LA 127, LaSalle, LA

Built 1960 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 3,980

Milldale Rd

Fair

Over: LITTLE SANDY CREEK

2.6 MI. SW. OF PRIDE, East Baton Rouge, LA

Built 1959 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 377

LA0010

Fair

Over: SPRING BRANCH

6.9 Mi. E of LA 961, East Feliciana, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 2,534

US0061

Fair

Over: DRAIN CANAL

1.39 M W of LA 641, St. James, LA

Built 1954 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 8,171

US0061

Fair

Over: TCHACKCHOU BAYOU

US0061, St. James, LA

Built 1954 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 8,171

LA0010

Fair

Over: ALEXANDER CREEK

0.6 MILES NORTHEAST OF US, West Feliciana, LA

Built 1948 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 2,761

Bains Rd

Fair

Over: BEAR CREEK

2.4 MI.LA66 US61 JCT., West Feliciana, LA

Built 1998 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 80

Solitude Rd

Fair

Over: LITTLE BAYOU SARA

0.01 Mi. S. of LA 66, West Feliciana, LA

Built 1987 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 800

Old Tunica Rd

Fair

Over: MOSHER CREEK

0.8 MI.N. Of LA 968, West Feliciana, LA

Built 1970 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 90

LA0447

Fair

Over: FELDER BAYOU

3.0 M N OF LA 16, Livingston, LA

Built 1962 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 34,245

Whit Holden Rd

Fair

Over: DUMPLIN CREEK

1.2 MILES FROM JCT 1027, Livingston, LA

Built 1965 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 150

LA0010

Fair

Over: AMITE RIVER RELIEF

1.2 M W OF LA 38, St. Helena, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 2,534

LA0010

Fair

Over: AMITE RIVER RELIEF

1.0 M W OF LA 38, St. Helena, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 2,534

LA0448

Fair

Over: BLACK CREEK

LA0448, St. Helena, LA

Built 1962 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 547

LA0025

Fair

Over: DRAIN

1.3 M S OF LA 40, St. Tammany, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 3,684

LA0025

Fair

Over: BOGUE FALAYA R

LA0025, St. Tammany, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 9,685

Lake Rd

Fair

Over: LACOMBE BAYOU

1.0M SOUTH OF LA 434, St. Tammany, LA

Built 1992 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 100

Magnolia Gardens

Fair

Over: BRIDGE OVER UNNAMED CREE

1MI.N.OF JCT LA 21 & LA36, St. Tammany, LA

Built 1996 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 100

US0190

Fair

Over: WASHLEY CREEK

US0190, Tangipahoa, LA

Built 1954 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 8,262

US0190

Fair

Over: CREEK

4.6 M E OF LA 445, Tangipahoa, LA

Built 1954 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 8,262

LA0016

Fair

Over: DRAIN

0.7 M E OF US 51, Tangipahoa, LA

Built 1962 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 12,718

LA0016

Fair

Over: SPRING BRANCH

LA0016, Tangipahoa, LA

Built 1962 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 12,718

LA0022

Fair

Over: NATALBANY RIVER

0.07 MI. EAST OF LA 42, Tangipahoa, LA

Built 1956 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 9,490

LA0021

Fair

Over: CREEK

2.5 M N OF LA 436, Washington, LA

Built 1960 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,719

LA0021

Fair

Over: SCARBOROUGHS CREEK

1.7 M SW OF LA 438, Washington, LA

Built 1960 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,719

LA0021

Fair

Over: SCARBOROUGHS CREEK

1.1 M SW OF LA 438, Washington, LA

Built 1960 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,719

LA0021

Fair

Over: CREEK

0.7 M S OF LA 438, Washington, LA

Built 1960 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,719

LA0021

Fair

Over: ARDS CREEK

LA0021, Washington, LA

Built 1960 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 2,646

LA0016

Fair

Over: BERRYS CREEK

LA0016, Washington, LA

Built 1969 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 1,137

LA0025

Fair

Over: MILE BRANCH

LA0025, Washington, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,117

LA0025

Fair

Over: CALICO BRANCH

1.3 M NW OF LA 10, Washington, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,117

LA0025

Fair

Over: HAYS CREEK

LA0025, Washington, LA

Built 1963 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 4,117

LA0438

Fair

Over: DRAIN

0.2 M W OF LA 25, Washington, LA

Built 1967 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 666

LA0439

Fair

Over: DRAIN

4.1 M W OF LA 60, Washington, LA

Built 1955 Load: 22.7 t ADT: 1,235

I0010

Fair

Over: GRAVIER STREET

0.5 MI NE OF US 90B, Orleans, LA

Built 1969 Load: 23.0 t ADT: 172,504

LA0046

Fair

Over: BAYOU LA LOUTRE

4.6 MI EAST OF LA 300, St. Bernard, LA

Built 1957 Load: 23.0 t ADT: 1,536

Jefferson Island

Fair

Over: Deblanc Coulee

1.5 Mi. W. of US 90, Iberia, LA

Built 1960 Load: 23.0 t ADT: 2,868

Surry St.

Fair

Over: VERMILION RIVER

0.8 MI EAST OF US 90, Lafayette, LA

Built 1948 Load: 23.0 t ADT: 16,800

Jeff Deblanc Pkwy

Fair

Over: TECHE BAYOU

0.4 MI E of LA 31, St. Martin, LA

Built 2001 Load: 23.0 t ADT: 3,818

Barrow St.

Fair

Over: CANAL

0.3 Mi S of LA 3211, St. Mary, LA

Built 1979 Load: 23.0 t ADT: 500

Showing 1,551-1,600 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.