US Bridges

West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River

Fair

Noble County, Indiana · 01.52 W of S Orange ST · Structure no. 5700043

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
370
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River in Noble County, Indiana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 370 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 590 by 2041. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest River RD
CrossesS Branch Elkhart River
Location01.52 W of S Orange ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNoble County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.38611, -85.452
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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic370 (2021)
Projected traffic590 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River carry?

About 370 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns West River RD over S Branch Elkhart River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.