US Bridges

281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch

Fair

Hamilton County, Indiana · 00.61 W of Ditch RD · Structure no. 2900006

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch is a wood or timber slab carrying 281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch in Hamilton County, Indiana. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries281st ST West
CrossesMckinzie Ditch
Location00.61 W of Ditch RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHamilton County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.19536, -86.19691
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2019)
Projected traffic110 by 2039
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is 281st ST West over Mckinzie 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 281st ST West over Mckinzie Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.