CR 37 over Elkhart River

Good

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.20 S of CR 44 · Structure no. 2000142

Built: 1986; 39 years old
Condition: Good; inspected August 2024
Type: Slab; Wood or Timber
Length: 206 ft; 7 main spans
Daily traffic: 480; 2020 count
Owner: County; County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 37 over Elkhart River is a wood or timber slab carrying CR 37 over Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 480 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 827 by 2040. The structure is 206 ft (62.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 37

CrossesElkhart River

Location00.20 S of CR 44

RouteCounty Highway 299

CountyElkhart County

StateIndiana

Coordinates41.50634, -85.71326

Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Deck	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Superstructure	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Substructure	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Channel and channel protection	6 Satisfactory	Structural 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is

Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating38.6 US tons

Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab

MaterialWood or Timber

DeckWood or timber

Main spans7

Design loadHS 20

Structure length206 ft (62.7 m)

Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)

Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)

Roadway width30 ft (9 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic480 (2020)

Projected traffic827 by 2040

Trucks22%

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 proposedNone recorded

Estimated improvement cost—

NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 37 over Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 37 over Elkhart River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does CR 37 over Elkhart River carry?

About 480 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is CR 37 over Elkhart River?

The structure is 206 ft (62.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns CR 37 over Elkhart River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.