US Bridges

CR 500 West over Lost River

FairPosted for load

Orange County, Indiana · 0.50 S of CR 510 N · Structure no. 5900021

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
145 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
135
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 500 West over Lost River is a steel truss - thru carrying CR 500 West over Lost River in Orange County, Indiana. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 125 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 135 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 190 by 2034. The structure is 145 ft (44.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 500 West
CrossesLost River
Location0.50 S of CR 510 N
RouteCounty Highway 23
CountyOrange County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.6238, -86.559
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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating24.8 US tons
Inventory rating14.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length145 ft (44.3 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.6 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic135 (2014)
Projected traffic190 by 2034
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 500 West over Lost River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is CR 500 West over Lost 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does CR 500 West over Lost River carry?

About 135 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CR 500 West over Lost River?

The structure is 145 ft (44.3 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.6 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns CR 500 West over Lost River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.