US Bridges

CR 11 over Yellow Creek

PoorPosted for load

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.10 N of CR 36 · Structure no. 2000072

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
664
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 11 over Yellow Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying CR 11 over Yellow Creek in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 664 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,144 by 2039. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

CarriesCR 11
CrossesYellow Creek
Location00.10 N of CR 36
RouteCounty Highway 21
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.56619, -85.94438
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.8 US tons
Inventory rating30.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic664 (2019)
Projected traffic1,144 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 11 over Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 11 over Yellow Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does CR 11 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 664 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is CR 11 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns CR 11 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.