US Bridges

US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek

Fair

Decatur County, Indiana · 04.43 S SR 46 · Structure no. 032080

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek in Decatur County, Indiana. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,520 by 2035. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 421
CrossesCobbs Fork Sand Creek
Location04.43 S SR 46
RouteU.S. Route 421
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.29428, -85.4228
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2014)
Projected traffic5,520 by 2035
Trucks10%
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 US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Cobbs Fork Sand Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.