US Bridges

US 231 over Fish Creek

Fair

Owen County, Indiana · 05.97 N SR 157 · Structure no. 023840

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,161
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Fish Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231 over Fish Creek in Owen County, Indiana. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 101 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 4,161 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,762 by 2030. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesFish Creek
Location05.97 N SR 157
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyOwen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.17669, -86.90058
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,161 (2004)
Projected traffic5,762 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkSTRAHNET connector

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$200,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Fish Creek built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is US 231 over Fish 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 231 over Fish Creek carry?

About 4,161 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Fish Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Fish Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.