US Bridges

71st ST over Howland Ditch

Fair

Marion County, Indiana · 00.43 W of Keystone Ave · Structure no. 4900507

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
69 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
371
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

71st ST over Howland Ditch is a steel culvert carrying 71st ST over Howland Ditch in Marion County, Indiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 371 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2039. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries71st ST
CrossesHowland Ditch
Location00.43 W of Keystone Ave
RouteCity Street 276
CountyMarion County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.88328, -86.12997
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic371 (2019)
Projected traffic550 by 2039
Trucks5%
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

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 71st ST over Howland Ditch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is 71st ST over Howland 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 71st ST over Howland Ditch carry?

About 371 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 71st ST over Howland Ditch?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns 71st ST over Howland Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.