US Bridges

281st ST West over Pearce Ditch

Fair

Hamilton County, Indiana · 00.25 E of Jerkwater RD · Structure no. 2900007

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

281st ST West over Pearce Ditch is a wood or timber slab carrying 281st ST West over Pearce Ditch in Hamilton County, Indiana. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries281st ST West
CrossesPearce Ditch
Location00.25 E of Jerkwater RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHamilton County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.19501, -86.21879
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic80 by 2039
Trucks2%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 281st ST West over Pearce Ditch built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is 281st ST West over Pearce 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 Pearce Ditch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 281st ST West over Pearce Ditch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns 281st ST West over Pearce Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.