US Bridges

281st ST East over Bear Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Indiana · 01.71 E SR 213 · Structure no. 2900061

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
710
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

281st ST East over Bear Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying 281st ST East over Bear Creek in Hamilton County, Indiana. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 710 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,150 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries281st ST East
CrossesBear Creek
Location01.71 E SR 213
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHamilton County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.19899, -85.90674
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic710 (2021)
Projected traffic1,150 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 281st ST East over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is 281st ST East over Bear 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does 281st ST East over Bear Creek carry?

About 710 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 281st ST East over Bear Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns 281st ST East over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.