US Bridges

Old US 50 over Back Creek

Fair

Lawrence County, Indiana · 01.42 S of US 50 · Structure no. 4700015

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
275
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US 50 over Back Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old US 50 over Back Creek in Lawrence County, Indiana. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 302 by 2036. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US 50
CrossesBack Creek
Location01.42 S of US 50
RouteCounty Highway 41
CountyLawrence County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.8624, -86.30353
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2016)
Projected traffic302 by 2036
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Old US 50 over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old US 50 over Back Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Old US 50 over Back Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Old US 50 over Back Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Old US 50 over Back Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.