US Bridges

Tower RD over Mill Creek

FairPosted for load

Owen County, Indiana · 00.40 E of Mill Grove RD · Structure no. 6000014

Built
1910
115 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
194 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tower RD over Mill Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Tower RD over Mill Creek in Owen County, Indiana. It was built in 1910 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 115 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 680 by 2043. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTower RD
CrossesMill Creek
Location00.40 E of Mill Grove RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOwen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.4414, -86.75609
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating7.9 US tons
Inventory rating6.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2023)
Projected traffic680 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Tower RD over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is Tower RD over Mill 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 2024.

How much traffic does Tower RD over Mill Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Tower RD over Mill Creek?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Tower RD over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.