US Bridges

SR 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch

Fair

Blackford County, Indiana · 03.26 W SR 3 · Structure no. 005720

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,613
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch is a steel culvert carrying SR 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch in Blackford County, Indiana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 1,613 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,176 by 2032. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesTownsand Lucas Ditch
Location03.26 W SR 3
RouteState Highway 26
CountyBlackford County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.45088, -85.43166
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 rating96.5 US tons
Inventory rating74.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,613 (2020)
Projected traffic5,176 by 2032
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
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 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 26 over Townsand Lucas 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch carry?

About 1,613 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 over Townsand Lucas Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.