US Bridges

Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek

FairPosted for load

Greene County, Indiana · 1.00 W of SR 45 · Structure no. 2800010

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
109
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek in Greene County, Indiana. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 109 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 139 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSparks Road
CrossesBranch of Beech Creek
Location1.00 W of SR 45
RouteCounty Highway 128
CountyGreene County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.05088, -86.71965
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic109 (2022)
Projected traffic139 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sparks Road over Branch of Beech 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek carry?

About 109 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Sparks Road over Branch of Beech Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.