US Bridges

SR 42 over Cataract Lake

Fair

Owen County, Indiana · 00.76 W SR 243 · Structure no. 015810

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
582 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,490
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 42 over Cataract Lake is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 42 over Cataract Lake in Owen County, Indiana. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 74 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 3,490 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,796 by 2030. The structure is 582 ft (177.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 42
CrossesCataract Lake
Location00.76 W SR 243
RouteState Highway 42
CountyOwen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.44855, -86.85874
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length582 ft (177.5 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,490 (2010)
Projected traffic5,796 by 2030
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 42 over Cataract Lake built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is SR 42 over Cataract Lake 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 42 over Cataract Lake carry?

About 3,490 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 42 over Cataract Lake?

The structure is 582 ft (177.5 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 42 over Cataract Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.