US Bridges

SR 46 over North Fork Salt Creek

Fair

Brown County, Indiana · 00.25 W SR 135 · Structure no. 017290

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,596
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 46 over North Fork Salt Creek is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 46 over North Fork Salt Creek in Brown County, Indiana. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 61 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 10,596 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,270 by 2037. The structure is 156 ft (47.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

CarriesSR 46
CrossesNorth Fork Salt Creek
Location00.25 W SR 135
RouteState Highway 46
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.1917, -86.19646
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 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 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 rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length156 ft (47.6 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,596 (2021)
Projected traffic10,270 by 2037
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 46 over North Fork Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is SR 46 over North Fork Salt 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 46 over North Fork Salt Creek carry?

About 10,596 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 46 over North Fork Salt Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.6 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 46 over North Fork Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.