US Bridges

SR 56 over Laughery Creek

Fair

Ohio County, Indiana · 02.64 W US 50 · Structure no. 020450

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
510 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
8,021
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 56 over Laughery Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 56 over Laughery Creek in Ohio County, Indiana. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 66 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 8,021 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,140 by 2033. The structure is 510 ft (155.3 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 56
CrossesLaughery Creek
Location02.64 W US 50
RouteState Highway 56
CountyOhio County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.02559, -84.88403
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length510 ft (155.3 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,021 (2021)
Projected traffic19,140 by 2033
Trucks11%
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

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 SR 56 over Laughery Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is SR 56 over Laughery 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 56 over Laughery Creek carry?

About 8,021 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 56 over Laughery Creek?

The structure is 510 ft (155.3 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SR 56 over Laughery Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.