US Bridges

Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek

Poor

Morgan County, Indiana · 00.80 S of SR 144 · Structure no. 5500153

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,740
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek in Morgan County, Indiana. It was built in 1930, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,740 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,550 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld SR 37
CrossesBluff Creek
Location00.80 S of SR 144
RouteCounty Highway 373
CountyMorgan County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.55887, -86.26547
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,740 (2023)
Projected traffic6,550 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek built?

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

What condition is Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek carry?

About 3,740 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Old SR 37 over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.