US Bridges

US 231 over Branch Friends Creek

Fair

Martin County, Indiana · 01.94 S US 50 · Structure no. 016770

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,443
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch Friends Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 231 over Branch Friends Creek in Martin County, Indiana. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 95 years old, older 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 6,443 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,924 by 2030. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch Friends Creek
Location01.94 S US 50
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMartin County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.64034, -86.91449
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,443 (2004)
Projected traffic8,924 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$405,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch Friends Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is US 231 over Branch Friends 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 231 over Branch Friends Creek carry?

About 6,443 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch Friends Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Branch Friends Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.