US Bridges

CR 43 over Little Elkhart River

Fair

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.20 N of US 20 · Structure no. 2000047

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
772
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 43 over Little Elkhart River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying CR 43 over Little Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1960, 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.

It carries about 772 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,330 by 2040. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 43
CrossesLittle Elkhart River
Location00.20 N of US 20
RouteCounty Highway 73
CountyElkhart County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.65781, -85.67654
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic772 (2020)
Projected traffic1,330 by 2040
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 43 over Little Elkhart River built?

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

What condition is CR 43 over Little 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CR 43 over Little Elkhart River carry?

About 772 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is CR 43 over Little Elkhart River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns CR 43 over Little Elkhart River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.