US Bridges

US 31 over Buffalo Creek

Good

Marion County, Indiana · 03.90 S I-465 · Structure no. 009427

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
39,727
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Buffalo Creek in Marion County, Indiana. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 39,727 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 67,602 by 2030. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 112 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 31
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location03.90 S I-465
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.64534, -86.13375
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width112 ft (34.1 m)
Roadway width112 ft (34.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,727 (2021)
Projected traffic67,602 by 2030
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US 31 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Buffalo Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 31 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 39,727 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 112 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.