US Bridges

I-70 over Mars Ditch

Fair

Marion County, Indiana · 01.08 E I-465 · Structure no. 042018

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
70,949
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-70 over Mars Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying I-70 over Mars Ditch in Marion County, Indiana. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 70,949 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 141,330 by 2032. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 116 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-70
CrossesMars Ditch
Location01.08 E I-465
RouteInterstate 70
CountyMarion County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.72493, -86.25098
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width116 ft (35.5 m)
Roadway width116 ft (35.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,949 (2004)
Projected traffic141,330 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-70 over Mars Ditch built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-70 over Mars 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I-70 over Mars Ditch carry?

About 70,949 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is I-70 over Mars Ditch?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m) and a deck 116 ft wide.

Who owns I-70 over Mars Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.