US Bridges

SR 18 over Louis Ditch

Good

Jay County, Indiana · 03.44 W US 27 · Structure no. 004910

Built
1986
39 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,573
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 18 over Louis Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 18 over Louis Ditch in Jay County, Indiana. It was built in 1986 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,573 vehicles a day, roughly 46% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,169 by 2032. The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 18
CrossesLouis Ditch
Location03.44 W US 27
RouteState Highway 18
CountyJay County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.54753, -85.02666
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length77 ft (23.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,573 (2022)
Projected traffic2,169 by 2032
Trucks46%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 18 over Louis Ditch built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is SR 18 over Louis Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 18 over Louis Ditch carry?

About 1,573 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 46% are trucks.

How long is SR 18 over Louis Ditch?

The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 18 over Louis Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.