US Bridges

SR 8 over Bessler Ditch

Good

LaPorte County, Indiana · 02.01 E US 421 · Structure no. 002180

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,208
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 8 over Bessler Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 8 over Bessler Ditch in LaPorte County, Indiana. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 2,208 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,495 by 2030. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 8
CrossesBessler Ditch
Location02.01 E US 421
RouteState Highway 8
CountyLaPorte County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.3172, -86.85298
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,208 (2022)
Projected traffic3,495 by 2030
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 8 over Bessler Ditch built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 8 over Bessler 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 8 over Bessler Ditch carry?

About 2,208 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SR 8 over Bessler Ditch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 8 over Bessler Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.