US Bridges

SR 59 over Eel River

Fair

Clay County, Indiana · 03.29 S SR 46 · Structure no. 021260

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
345 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,517
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 59 over Eel River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 59 over Eel River in Clay County, Indiana. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 70 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 4,517 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,540 by 2032. The structure is 345 ft (105.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 59
CrossesEel River
Location03.29 S SR 46
RouteState Highway 59
CountyClay County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.33867, -87.10988
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length345 ft (105.1 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,517 (2021)
Projected traffic5,540 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 59 over Eel River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SR 59 over Eel River 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 59 over Eel River carry?

About 4,517 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 59 over Eel River?

The structure is 345 ft (105.1 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 59 over Eel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.