US Bridges

I-469 over Schmidt Ditch

Fair

Allen County, Indiana · 02.47 W US 30 · Structure no. 032851

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,985
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-469 over Schmidt Ditch is a steel culvert carrying I-469 over Schmidt Ditch in Allen County, Indiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 5 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 17,985 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,692 by 2032. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 93 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

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CarriesI-469
CrossesSchmidt Ditch
Location02.47 W US 30
RouteInterstate 469
CountyAllen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.03061, -85.01168
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating100 US tons
Inventory rating100 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width93 ft (28.3 m)
Roadway width93 ft (28.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,985 (2021)
Projected traffic17,692 by 2032
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 I-469 over Schmidt Ditch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-469 over Schmidt Ditch 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 I-469 over Schmidt Ditch carry?

About 17,985 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is I-469 over Schmidt Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m) and a deck 93 ft wide.

Who owns I-469 over Schmidt Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.