US Bridges

SR 59 over Birch Creek

Fair

Clay County, Indiana · 02.29 S US 40 · Structure no. 021310

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,694
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 59 over Birch Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 59 over Birch Creek in Clay County, Indiana. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 94 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 6 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 8,694 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,896 by 2032. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 59
CrossesBirch Creek
Location02.29 S US 40
RouteState Highway 59
CountyClay County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.49046, -87.12571
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,694 (2021)
Projected traffic11,896 by 2032
Trucks7%
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

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 Birch Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is SR 59 over 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 Birch Creek carry?

About 8,694 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 59 over Birch Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 59 over Birch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.