US Bridges

246th ST East over Bear Creek

FairClosed to traffic

Hamilton County, Indiana · 00.48 E of SR 213 · Structure no. 2900082

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
390
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

246th ST East over Bear Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying 246th ST East over Bear Creek in Hamilton County, Indiana. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 390 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2040. The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries246th ST East
CrossesBear Creek
Location00.48 E of SR 213
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHamilton County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.14736, -85.93055
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.
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 statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length77 ft (23.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic390 (2020)
Projected traffic630 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$100,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 246th ST East over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is 246th 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 246th ST East over Bear Creek carry?

About 390 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 246th ST East over Bear Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns 246th ST East over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.