US Bridges

SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch

Fair

Clay County, Indiana · 02.65 W SR 59 · Structure no. 030330

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
890
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch in Clay County, Indiana. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 890 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 970 by 2027. The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 246
CrossesLafferty Ditch
Location02.65 W SR 59
RouteState Highway 246
CountyClay County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.26432, -87.17065
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 inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic890 (2017)
Projected traffic970 by 2027
Trucks15%
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 246 over Lafferty Ditch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch carry?

About 890 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch?

The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SR 246 over Lafferty Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.