US Bridges

US 33 over Elkhart River

Fair

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.31 N SR 15 · Structure no. 010980

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
258 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,034
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 33 over Elkhart River is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 33 over Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 99 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 21,034 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,303 by 2030. The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 33
CrossesElkhart River
Location00.31 N SR 15
RouteU.S. Route 33
CountyElkhart County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.58909, -85.84086
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length258 ft (78.6 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,034 (2020)
Projected traffic36,303 by 2030
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 33 over Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is US 33 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 33 over Elkhart River carry?

About 21,034 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 33 over Elkhart River?

The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns US 33 over Elkhart River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.