US Bridges

Vernal Pike over Richland Creek

Fair

Monroe County, Indiana · 00.70 N SR 48 · Structure no. 5300018

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
246
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vernal Pike over Richland Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Vernal Pike over Richland Creek in Monroe County, Indiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 5 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 246 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 441 by 2034. The structure is 51 ft (15.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVernal Pike
CrossesRichland Creek
Location00.70 N SR 48
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMonroe County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.17277, -86.65335
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic246 (2014)
Projected traffic441 by 2034
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$550,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vernal Pike over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vernal Pike over Richland 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Vernal Pike over Richland Creek carry?

About 246 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Vernal Pike over Richland Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Vernal Pike over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.