US Bridges

US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek

Fair

Clinton County, Indiana · 02.24 S SR 38 · Structure no. 032200

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
194 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,876
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek in Clinton County, Indiana. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 84 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 3,876 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,298 by 2040. The structure is 194 ft (59.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesS Fork Wildcat Creek
Location02.24 S SR 38
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyClinton County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.31654, -86.54675
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating45.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length194 ft (59.2 m)
Longest span125 ft (38 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,876 (2021)
Projected traffic6,298 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is US 421 over S Fork Wildcat 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek carry?

About 3,876 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek?

The structure is 194 ft (59.2 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over S Fork Wildcat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.