US Bridges

SR 15 over Elkhart River

Fair

Elkhart County, Indiana · 03.36 S SR 119 · Structure no. 004140

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
201 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,936
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 15 over Elkhart River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 15 over Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 69 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 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 10,936 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,018 by 2032. The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 15
CrossesElkhart River
Location03.36 S SR 119
RouteState Highway 15
CountyElkhart County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.52657, -85.82636
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length201 ft (61.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,936 (2020)
Projected traffic19,018 by 2032
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 15 over Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is SR 15 over Elkhart 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 15 over Elkhart River carry?

About 10,936 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 15 over Elkhart River?

The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SR 15 over Elkhart River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.