US Bridges

US 231 over Branch Friends Creek

Fair

Martin County, Indiana · 00.41 S US 50 · Structure no. 016780

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,851
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch Friends Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231 over Branch Friends Creek in Martin County, Indiana. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 6,851 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,489 by 2030. The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch Friends Creek
Location00.41 S US 50
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMartin County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.66271, -86.91447
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length59 ft (17.9 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,851 (2004)
Projected traffic9,489 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch Friends Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

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 6,851 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch Friends Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Branch Friends Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.