US Bridges

SR 39 over Hickleson Ditch

Fair

LaPorte County, Indiana · 03.15 S US 6 · Structure no. 013520

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,335
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 39 over Hickleson Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 39 over Hickleson Ditch in LaPorte County, Indiana. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older 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 2,335 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,876 by 2030. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 39
CrossesHickleson Ditch
Location03.15 S US 6
RouteState Highway 39
CountyLaPorte County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.47185, -86.73829
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,335 (2004)
Projected traffic3,876 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 39 over Hickleson Ditch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 39 over Hickleson 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR 39 over Hickleson Ditch carry?

About 2,335 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 39 over Hickleson Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SR 39 over Hickleson Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.