US Bridges

Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek

FairPosted for load

Owen County, Indiana · 00.00 W Rattlesnake RD · Structure no. 6000135

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek in Owen County, Indiana. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 76 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 90 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSurber RD
CrossesRattlesnake Creek
Location00.00 W Rattlesnake RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOwen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.37866, -86.81642
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating24.9 US tons
Inventory rating14.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2023)
Projected traffic120 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Surber RD over Rattlesnake 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 Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Surber RD over Rattlesnake Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.