US Bridges

US 12 over Indiana Harbor Canal

Fair

Lake County, Indiana · 00.52 E US 20 · Structure no. 003110

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
225 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
16,872
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Indiana Harbor Canal is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 12 over Indiana Harbor Canal in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 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 16,872 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,551 by 2030. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesIndiana Harbor Canal
Location00.52 E US 20
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.6393, -87.47132
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,872 (2021)
Projected traffic25,551 by 2030
Trucks12%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over Indiana Harbor Canal built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 12 over Indiana Harbor 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 Indiana Harbor Canal carry?

About 16,872 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Indiana Harbor Canal?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Indiana Harbor Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.