US Bridges

SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow

Fair

Clay County, Indiana · 01.13 W SR 59 · Structure no. 017010

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,508
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow in Clay County, Indiana. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 3,508 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,709 by 2034. The structure is 102 ft (31 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 46
CrossesBirch Creek Overflow
Location01.13 W SR 59
RouteState Highway 46
CountyClay County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.38714, -87.13174
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,508 (2021)
Projected traffic5,709 by 2034
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 46 over Birch Creek Overflow built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow carry?

About 3,508 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow?

The structure is 102 ft (31 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 46 over Birch Creek Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.