US Bridges

US 421 over Norris Ditch

Fair

LaPorte County, Indiana · 00.70 S I-94 · Structure no. 032501

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,134
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Norris Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 421 over Norris Ditch in LaPorte County, Indiana. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 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 16,134 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,291 by 2031. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 90 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesNorris Ditch
Location00.70 S I-94
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyLaPorte County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.64826, -86.89404
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.6 m)
Deck width90 ft (27.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,134 (2011)
Projected traffic20,291 by 2031
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 421 over Norris Ditch built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 over Norris 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 421 over Norris Ditch carry?

About 16,134 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Norris Ditch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.6 m) and a deck 90 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Norris Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.