US Bridges

I-70 WB over Big Blue River

Fair

Henry County, Indiana · 03.50 W SR 3 · Structure no. 043080

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
364 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
19,680
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-70 WB over Big Blue River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-70 WB over Big Blue River in Henry County, Indiana. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 60 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 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 19,680 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,957 by 2028. The structure is 364 ft (110.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI-70 WB
CrossesBig Blue River
Location03.50 W SR 3
RouteInterstate 70
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.85339, -85.47756
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length364 ft (110.9 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,680 (2018)
Projected traffic22,957 by 2028
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 I-70 WB over Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is I-70 WB over Big Blue River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I-70 WB over Big Blue River carry?

About 19,680 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is I-70 WB over Big Blue River?

The structure is 364 ft (110.9 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-70 WB over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.