US Bridges

Johnstown RD over Eel River

FairClosed to traffic

Owen County, Indiana · 0.2 E of SR 157 · Structure no. 6000142

Built
1918
107 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
203 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Johnstown RD over Eel River is a steel truss - thru carrying Johnstown RD over Eel River in Owen County, Indiana. It was built in 1918, so it is 107 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40 by 2043. The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJohnstown RD
CrossesEel River
Location0.2 E of SR 157
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOwen County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.16916, -87.00936
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length203 ft (61.8 m)
Longest span198 ft (60.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2023)
Projected traffic40 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$1.1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Johnstown RD over Eel River built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025.

What condition is Johnstown RD over Eel River 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 Johnstown RD over Eel River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Johnstown RD over Eel River?

The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long with a longest span of 198 ft (60.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Johnstown RD over Eel River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.