US Bridges

CR 79 over ST Joseph River

Fair

DeKalb County, Indiana · 00.90 S of CR 40 · Structure no. 1700017

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
235 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
110
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 79 over ST Joseph River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 79 over ST Joseph River in DeKalb County, Indiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 110 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 175 by 2044. The structure is 235 ft (71.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 79
CrossesST Joseph River
Location00.90 S of CR 40
RouteCounty Highway 75
CountyDeKalb County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.37471, -84.81168
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length235 ft (71.7 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2024)
Projected traffic175 by 2044
Trucks8%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$750,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 79 over ST Joseph River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 79 over ST Joseph River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CR 79 over ST Joseph River carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is CR 79 over ST Joseph River?

The structure is 235 ft (71.7 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns CR 79 over ST Joseph River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.