US Bridges

CR 500 East over Lost River

FairPosted for load

Orange County, Indiana · 0.10 S of CR 550 N · Structure no. 5900027

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
77 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
425
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 500 East over Lost River is a steel truss - thru carrying CR 500 East over Lost River in Orange County, Indiana. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 105 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 425 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 425 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 500 East
CrossesLost River
Location0.10 S of CR 550 N
RouteCounty Highway 61
CountyOrange County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.6366, -86.3653
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic425 (2021)
Projected traffic425 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 500 East over Lost River built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is CR 500 East 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 East over Lost River carry?

About 425 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is CR 500 East over Lost River?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CR 500 East over Lost River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.