US Bridges

Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run

Fair

Clark County, Indiana · 00.10 SW of Zimmerman Roa · Structure no. 1000104

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
780
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run in Clark County, Indiana. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 85 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 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 780 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,360 by 2038. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTunnel Mill Road
CrossesPolk Run
Location00.10 SW of Zimmerman Roa
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClark County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.50538, -85.58537
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating63.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic780 (2018)
Projected traffic1,360 by 2038
Trucks6%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run carry?

About 780 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Tunnel Mill Road over Polk Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.