Abstract
This study investigates the potential impact of coastal proximity on the structural health of steel and prestressed concrete bridges in Louisiana. The study analyzed 2022 National Bridge Inventory (NBI) data and categorized Louisiana bridges into two groups: those located close to the coastal shoreline and those farther inland. The results show that steel bridges located below Latitude 30.4° N tended to have a faster degradation rate than those above, while prestressed concrete bridges below Latitude 30.4° N degraded at a slower rate than those above. The interaction between coastal proximity and bridge age was found to have a significant impact on the superstructure rating, underscoring the importance of considering both factors when assessing the structural health of bridges in coastal regions. The findings can inform bridge maintenance and repair prioritization and guide policymakers in allocating resources for optimal bridge design, construction, maintenance and repair. Future research can expand the study to other coastal regions, explore the impact of other factors on bridge health, and develop interactive data visualization applications to aid decision-making. The study ultimately aims to contribute to the longevity and safety of bridges in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast regions by informing the prioritization of bridge maintenance and repair, and by enabling vital transportation, commerce, and community connections.