US Bridges

Bluffton RD over Harber Drain

Fair

Allen County, Indiana · 00.20 N Ferguson RD · Structure no. 0200338

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,075
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluffton RD over Harber Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluffton RD over Harber Drain in Allen County, Indiana. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 48 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 14,075 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,000 by 2042. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluffton RD
CrossesHarber Drain
Location00.20 N Ferguson RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAllen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.99217, -85.16851
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.5 US tons
Inventory rating41.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,075 (2022)
Projected traffic16,000 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluffton RD over Harber Drain built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Bluffton RD over Harber Drain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Bluffton RD over Harber Drain carry?

About 14,075 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bluffton RD over Harber Drain?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Bluffton RD over Harber Drain?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.