US Bridges

SR 550 over Opossum Branch

Good

Knox County, Indiana · 01.05 W US 50 · Structure no. 032980

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,390
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 550 over Opossum Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SR 550 over Opossum Branch in Knox County, Indiana. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 102 years old, older 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 1,390 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,987 by 2034. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 550
CrossesOpossum Branch
Location01.05 W US 50
RouteState Highway 550
CountyKnox County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.66809, -87.31507
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,390 (2010)
Projected traffic1,987 by 2034
Trucks20%
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 550 over Opossum Branch built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is SR 550 over Opossum Branch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 550 over Opossum Branch carry?

About 1,390 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SR 550 over Opossum Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 550 over Opossum Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.