US Bridges

Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek

FairPosted for load

Dearborn County, Indiana · 00.50 S of Clay Miller · Structure no. 1500014

Built
1916
109 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
147 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek in Dearborn County, Indiana. It was built in 1916 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 109 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2037. The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBells Branch RD
CrossesLaughery Creek
Location00.50 S of Clay Miller
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDearborn County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.93697, -85.09885
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating37.3 US tons
Inventory rating20.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length147 ft (44.8 m)
Longest span142 ft (43.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2017)
Projected traffic150 by 2037
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek built?

It was built in 1916, making it 109 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is Bells Branch RD over Laughery 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek?

The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long with a longest span of 142 ft (43.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Bells Branch RD over Laughery Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.