US Bridges

CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch

FairPosted for load

Gibson County, Indiana · 00.40 N of CR 525 S · Structure no. 2600163

Built
1901
124 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch in Gibson County, Indiana. It was built in 1901 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 124 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 145 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 500 W
CrossesLoefler Ditch
Location00.40 N of CR 525 S
RouteCounty Highway 39
CountyGibson County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.28466, -87.66131
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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.3 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic145 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$818,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch built?

It was built in 1901, making it 124 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.3 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CR 500 W over Loefler Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.