US Bridges

SR 59 over Little Birch Creek

Fair

Clay County, Indiana · 00.31 N I-70 · Structure no. 021300

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,566
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 59 over Little Birch Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 59 over Little Birch Creek in Clay County, Indiana. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 13,566 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,896 by 2032. The structure is 92 ft (28 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 59
CrossesLittle Birch Creek
Location00.31 N I-70
RouteState Highway 59
CountyClay County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.45397, -87.12623
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,566 (2021)
Projected traffic11,896 by 2032
Trucks22%
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 59 over Little Birch Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 59 over Little Birch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 59 over Little Birch Creek carry?

About 13,566 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SR 59 over Little Birch Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 59 over Little Birch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.