US Bridges

Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Indiana · 00.13 S of Hensler RD · Structure no. 3900104

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek in Jefferson County, Indiana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 575 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesSaluda-Paynesville
CrossesBranch of Saluda Creek
Location00.13 S of Hensler RD
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyJefferson County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.64415, -85.49666
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2020)
Projected traffic575 by 2040
Trucks4%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Saluda-Paynesville over Branch of Saluda Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.