US Bridges

US 231 over Howe Ditch

Fair

Jasper County, Indiana · 01.71 N SR 16 · Structure no. 029460

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,528
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Howe Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231 over Howe Ditch in Jasper County, Indiana. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 96 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 5,528 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,178 by 2030. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesHowe Ditch
Location01.71 N SR 16
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyJasper County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.89151, -87.15476
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,528 (2004)
Projected traffic9,178 by 2030
Trucks10%
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

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 231 over Howe Ditch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is US 231 over Howe 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 231 over Howe Ditch carry?

About 5,528 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Howe Ditch?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Howe Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.