US Bridges

German Church Road over Steele Ditch

Good

Marion County, Indiana · 0.05 Mi. South of 42nd ST · Structure no. 4900171

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,726
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

German Church Road over Steele Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying German Church Road over Steele Ditch in Marion County, Indiana. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 63 years old, older 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 10,726 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,938 by 2039. The structure is 100 ft (30.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesGerman Church Road
CrossesSteele Ditch
Location0.05 Mi. South of 42nd ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMarion County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.83282, -85.97215
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length100 ft (30.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,726 (2019)
Projected traffic15,938 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 German Church Road over Steele Ditch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is German Church Road over Steele Ditch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does German Church Road over Steele Ditch carry?

About 10,726 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is German Church Road over Steele Ditch?

The structure is 100 ft (30.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns German Church Road over Steele Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.