US Bridges

SR 234 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Fountain County, Indiana · 02.14 E US 41 · Structure no. 029600

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
211
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 234 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 234 over Buffalo Creek in Fountain County, Indiana. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 211 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 251 by 2030. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 234
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location02.14 E US 41
RouteState Highway 234
CountyFountain County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.96766, -87.20217
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic211 (2022)
Projected traffic251 by 2030
Trucks25%
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

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 SR 234 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 234 over Buffalo 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 234 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 211 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SR 234 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR 234 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.