US Bridges

Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek

PoorPosted for load

Brown County, Indiana · 0.1 MI S Elkinsville RD · Structure no. 0700075

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek in Brown County, Indiana. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesKirks Ford Road
CrossesMiddle Fork Salt Creek
Location0.1 MI S Elkinsville RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBrown County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.08944, -86.22073
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating6.3 US tons
Inventory rating3.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25.1 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.9 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2024)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$600,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.9 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Kirks Ford Road over Middle Fork Salt Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.