US Bridges

US 31 over Lewis Branch

Fair

Jackson County, Indiana · 01.45 N SR 250 · Structure no. 009120

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,454
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Lewis Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 31 over Lewis Branch in Jackson County, Indiana. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 85 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 4,454 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,449 by 2031. The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesLewis Branch
Location01.45 N SR 250
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJackson County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.86438, -85.81999
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length56 ft (17 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,454 (2004)
Projected traffic7,449 by 2031
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 US 31 over Lewis Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is US 31 over Lewis Branch 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 31 over Lewis Branch carry?

About 4,454 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Lewis Branch?

The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Lewis Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.