US Bridges

129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch

FairPosted for load

Lake County, Indiana · 00.20 E. of Iowa St. · Structure no. 4500189

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch is a steel culvert carrying 129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 39 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries129th Avenue
CrossesBranch of Niles Ditch
Location00.20 E. of Iowa St.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.38378, -87.30335
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2016)
Projected traffic39 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is 129th Avenue over Branch of Niles 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does 129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m).

Who owns 129th Avenue over Branch of Niles Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.