CR 43 over Elkhart River

Fair

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.20 S of CR 44 · Structure no. 2000146

Built: 1981; 44 years old
Condition: Fair; inspected August 2024
Type: Slab; Wood or Timber
Length: 95 ft; 3 main spans
Daily traffic: 206; 2019 count
Owner: County; County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 43 over Elkhart River is a wood or timber slab carrying CR 43 over Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 206 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 355 by 2039. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps

CarriesCR 43

CrossesElkhart River

Location00.20 S of CR 44

RouteCounty Highway 69

CountyElkhart County

StateIndiana

Coordinates41.50565, -85.67341

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.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Deck	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria

Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria

Operating rating51 US tons

Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab

MaterialWood or Timber

DeckWood or timber

Main spans3

Design loadHS 20

Structure length95 ft (29 m)

Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)

Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)

Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic206 (2019)

Projected traffic355 by 2039

Trucks27%

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 43 over Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 43 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 43 over Elkhart River carry?

About 206 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is CR 43 over Elkhart River?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns CR 43 over Elkhart River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.