US Bridges

Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain

PoorPosted for load

Allen County, Indiana · 00.80 W Aboite Road · Structure no. 0200178

Built
1883
142 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
121 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain in Allen County, Indiana. It was built in 1883 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 142 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 175 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2044. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesHamilton RD
CrossesRebecca Knight Drain
Location00.80 W Aboite Road
RouteCounty Highway 394
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.94597, -85.33561
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2024)
Projected traffic250 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$725,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain built?

It was built in 1883, making it 142 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain?

The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Hamilton RD over Rebecca Knight Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.