US Bridges

Meridian RD over Straight River

FairPosted for load

Dubois County, Indiana · 00.60 S of SR 162 · Structure no. 1900068

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
888
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Meridian RD over Straight River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Meridian RD over Straight River in Dubois County, Indiana. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 888 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 996 by 2032. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMeridian RD
CrossesStraight River
Location00.60 S of SR 162
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDubois County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.35373, -86.90983
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic888 (2012)
Projected traffic996 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$200,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Meridian RD over Straight River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Meridian RD over Straight 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Meridian RD over Straight River carry?

About 888 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Meridian RD over Straight River?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Meridian RD over Straight River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.