US Bridges

CR 550 North over Carters Creek

FairPosted for load

Orange County, Indiana · 0.60 E of CR 500 E · Structure no. 5900026

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 550 North over Carters Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 550 North over Carters Creek in Orange County, Indiana. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2034. The structure is 42 ft (12.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 550 North
CrossesCarters Creek
Location0.60 E of CR 500 E
RouteCounty Highway 264
CountyOrange County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.6395, -86.35193
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.
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; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.8 US tons
Inventory rating9.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2014)
Projected traffic180 by 2034
Trucks5%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 550 North over Carters Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 550 North over Carters 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does CR 550 North over Carters Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 550 North over Carters Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns CR 550 North over Carters Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.