US Bridges

SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek

Fair

Howard County, Indiana · 04.56 E SR 213 · Structure no. 006850

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,852
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek in Howard County, Indiana. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 92 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 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 3,852 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2035. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesM Fork Wildcat Creek
Location04.56 E SR 213
RouteState Highway 26
CountyHoward County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.42131, -85.87009
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating60.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,852 (2021)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2035
Trucks10%
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

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 SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek carry?

About 3,852 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 over M Fork Wildcat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.