US Bridges

US 231 over Bush Creek

Fair

Owen County, Indiana · 05.69 S SR 46 · Structure no. 023850

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,694
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Bush Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 over Bush Creek in Owen County, Indiana. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 91 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.

It carries about 4,694 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,170 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231
CrossesBush Creek
Location05.69 S SR 46
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyOwen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.23111, -86.83546
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating101.1 US tons
Inventory rating78.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,694 (2022)
Projected traffic8,170 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Bush Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is US 231 over Bush 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 231 over Bush Creek carry?

About 4,694 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Bush Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Bush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.