US Bridges

US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck

Good

Decatur County, Indiana · 05.33 N SR 229 · Structure no. 032071

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck in Decatur County, Indiana. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,750 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,700 by 2040. The structure is 91 ft (27.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesVernon Fork Muscatatuck
Location05.33 N SR 229
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyDecatur County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.26688, -85.38382
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable 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 rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length91 ft (27.8 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,750 (2020)
Projected traffic5,700 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck carry?

About 4,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck?

The structure is 91 ft (27.8 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Vernon Fork Muscatatuck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.