US Bridges

SR 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch

Fair

Lake County, Indiana · 01.40 N US 231 · Structure no. 019870

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
70 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,373
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 40 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 24,373 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,342 by 2030. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 55
CrossesMain Beaver Dam Ditch
Location01.40 N US 231
RouteState Highway 55
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.43816, -87.36474
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 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 typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.4 m)
Roadway width62 ft (19 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,373 (2004)
Projected traffic34,342 by 2030
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is SR 55 over Main 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch carry?

About 24,373 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns SR 55 over Main Beaver Dam Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.