US Bridges

Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale

GoodPosted for load

Lake County, Indiana · 00.38 N of 121st Avenue · Structure no. 4500392

Built
1878
147 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2012 count
Owner
Local
Local Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale in Lake County, Indiana. It was built in 1878 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 147 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFairgrounds Road
CrossesDrainage Swale
Location00.38 N of 121st Avenue
CountyLake County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.40395, -87.3728
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.7 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length100 ft (30.4 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2012)
Projected traffic7 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale built?

It was built in 1878, making it 147 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale?

The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Fairgrounds Road over Drainage Swale?

It is owned by the Local Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency and maintained by the County Highway Agency.