US Bridges

SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek

Fair

Dubois County, Indiana · 05.21 S SR56 · Structure no. 032894

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
506
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek is a concrete slab carrying SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek in Dubois County, Indiana. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 506 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 840 by 2030. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 545
CrossesBranch Polson Creek
Location05.21 S SR56
RouteState Highway 545
CountyDubois County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.42863, -86.77056
Functional classRural Major 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic506 (2004)
Projected traffic840 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 545 over Branch Polson 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek carry?

About 506 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 545 over Branch Polson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.