US Bridges

Base RD over Penther Creek

Fair

Decatur County, Indiana · 00.20 N of CR 900 S · Structure no. 1600156

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Base RD over Penther Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Base RD over Penther Creek in Decatur County, Indiana. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2037. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBase RD
CrossesPenther Creek
Location00.20 N of CR 900 S
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDecatur County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.2075, -85.47905
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2017)
Projected traffic280 by 2037
Trucks6%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Base RD over Penther Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Base RD over Penther 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 Base RD over Penther Creek carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Base RD over Penther Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Base RD over Penther Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.