US Bridges

SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek

Fair

Parke County, Indiana · 06.12 S US 36 · Structure no. 021380

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
347 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,026
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek in Parke County, Indiana. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 78 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 2,026 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,191 by 2041. The structure is 347 ft (105.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 59
CrossesBig Raccoon Creek
Location06.12 S US 36
RouteState Highway 59
CountyParke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.671, -87.10456
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length347 ft (105.7 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,026 (2021)
Projected traffic2,191 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is SR 59 over Big Raccoon 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 SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek carry?

About 2,026 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek?

The structure is 347 ft (105.7 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR 59 over Big Raccoon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.