US Bridges

Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch

Fair

Morgan County, Indiana · 00.16 S of W Main ST · Structure no. 5500079

Built
1895
130 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch in Morgan County, Indiana. It was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 130 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2043. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDitch RD
CrossesBranch of Lake Ditch
Location00.16 S of W Main ST
RouteCounty Highway 155
CountyMorgan County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.57656, -86.52643
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2023)
Projected traffic180 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch built?

It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Ditch RD over Branch of Lake 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Ditch RD over Branch of Lake Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.