US Bridges

CR 31 over Elkhart River

Fair

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.10 N of CR 46 · Structure no. 2000136

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
133 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,867
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 31 over Elkhart River is a wood or timber slab carrying CR 31 over Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 2,867 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,938 by 2040. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 31
CrossesElkhart River
Location00.10 N of CR 46
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyElkhart County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.4983, -85.76978
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,867 (2020)
Projected traffic4,938 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 31 over Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 31 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does CR 31 over Elkhart River carry?

About 2,867 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CR 31 over Elkhart River?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CR 31 over Elkhart River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.