US Bridges

SR 55 over Griesel Ditch

Good

Lake County, Indiana · 02.05 S SR 2 · Structure no. 019860

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
70 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,682
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 55 over Griesel Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 55 over Griesel Ditch in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 1,682 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,792 by 2030. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 55
CrossesGriesel Ditch
Location02.05 S SR 2
RouteState Highway 55
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.2598, -87.34315
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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,682 (2004)
Projected traffic2,792 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 55 over Griesel Ditch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is SR 55 over Griesel Ditch 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 55 over Griesel Ditch carry?

About 1,682 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 55 over Griesel Ditch?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 55 over Griesel Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.