US Bridges

SR 18 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Blackford County, Indiana · 00.02 E SR 3 · Structure no. 004880

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
104 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,003
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 18 over Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 18 over Prairie Creek in Blackford County, Indiana. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 49 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 3,003 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,990 by 2036. The structure is 104 ft (31.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 18
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location00.02 E SR 3
RouteState Highway 18
CountyBlackford County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.55251, -85.37062
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.6 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,003 (2019)
Projected traffic2,990 by 2036
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SR 18 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is SR 18 over Prairie Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 18 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 3,003 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is SR 18 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 104 ft (31.6 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 18 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.