US Bridges

US 41 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Fountain County, Indiana · 00.24 N SR 32 · Structure no. 015170

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,431
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 41 over Prairie Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 41 over Prairie Creek in Fountain County, Indiana. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 72 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 2,431 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,786 by 2032. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 41
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location00.24 N SR 32
RouteU.S. Route 41
CountyFountain County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.04667, -87.24333
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,431 (2021)
Projected traffic3,786 by 2032
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 41 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is US 41 over Prairie Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US 41 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 2,431 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 41 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 41 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.