US Bridges

SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch

Fair

Lake County, Indiana · 01.93 N US 231 · Structure no. 019470

Built
1996
29 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,483
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1996 and reconstructed in 2015, 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 1,483 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,259 by 2030. The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesBeaver Dam Ditch
Location01.93 N US 231
RouteState Highway 53
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.42848, -87.33547
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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 length78 ft (23.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width72 ft (22 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,483 (2021)
Projected traffic21,259 by 2030
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch carry?

About 1,483 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch?

The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Beaver Dam Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.