US Bridges

I-70 WB over Birch Creek

Good

Clay County, Indiana · 00.85 E SR 59 · Structure no. 041420

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,601
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-70 WB over Birch Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying I-70 WB over Birch Creek in Clay County, Indiana. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 59 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 14,601 vehicles a day, roughly 46% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,888 by 2033. The structure is 103 ft (31.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI-70 WB
CrossesBirch Creek
Location00.85 E SR 59
RouteInterstate 70
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.45029, -87.11063
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 + Mod
Structure length103 ft (31.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,601 (2021)
Projected traffic27,888 by 2033
Trucks46%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-70 WB over Birch Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is I-70 WB over Birch Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does I-70 WB over Birch Creek carry?

About 14,601 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 46% are trucks.

How long is I-70 WB over Birch Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-70 WB over Birch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.