US Bridges

SR 39 over Smart Ditch

Fair

Jackson County, Indiana · 01.31 N SR 256 · Structure no. 013067

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
124 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
602
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 39 over Smart Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 39 over Smart Ditch in Jackson County, Indiana. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 602 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,012 by 2033. The structure is 124 ft (37.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 39
CrossesSmart Ditch
Location01.31 N SR 256
RouteState Highway 39
CountyJackson County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.76583, -85.93539
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
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length124 ft (37.7 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic602 (2004)
Projected traffic1,012 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 39 over Smart Ditch built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 39 over Smart Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 39 over Smart Ditch carry?

About 602 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 39 over Smart Ditch?

The structure is 124 ft (37.7 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 39 over Smart Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.