US Bridges

Indiana Ave over Elkhart River

FairPosted for load

Elkhart County, Indiana · 00.30 N of US 33 · Structure no. 2000170

Built
1896
129 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
184 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,593
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Indiana Ave over Elkhart River is a steel truss - thru carrying Indiana Ave over Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1896 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 129 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,593 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,189 by 2039. The structure is 184 ft (56 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIndiana Ave
CrossesElkhart River
Location00.30 N of US 33
RouteCity Street 0
CountyElkhart County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.59332, -85.84854
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length184 ft (56 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,593 (2019)
Projected traffic6,189 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$300,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Indiana Ave over Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1896, making it 129 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Indiana Ave 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Indiana Ave over Elkhart River carry?

About 3,593 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Indiana Ave over Elkhart River?

The structure is 184 ft (56 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Indiana Ave over Elkhart River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.