US Bridges

US 12 over Lake George Canal

Fair

Lake County, Indiana · 00.51 W US 20 · Structure no. 003100

Built
1987
38 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
268 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,779
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Lake George Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying US 12 over Lake George Canal in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1987 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 38 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 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 11,779 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,000 by 2030. The structure is 268 ft (81.6 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesLake George Canal
Location00.51 W US 20
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.64671, -87.48088
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length268 ft (81.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.4 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,779 (2004)
Projected traffic18,000 by 2030
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over Lake George Canal built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is US 12 over Lake George Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 12 over Lake George Canal carry?

About 11,779 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Lake George Canal?

The structure is 268 ft (81.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.4 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Lake George Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.