US Bridges

CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek

PoorPosted for load

Parke County, Indiana · 00.20 S of Mace RD · Structure no. 6100015

Built
1907
118 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
212 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
232
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek in Parke County, Indiana. It was built in 1907, so it is 118 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 232 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 276 by 2038. The structure is 212 ft (64.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 550E
CrossesBig Raccoon Creek
Location00.20 S of Mace RD
RouteCounty Highway 47
CountyParke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.65944, -87.13299
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating5.3 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length212 ft (64.5 m)
Longest span188 ft (57.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic232 (2018)
Projected traffic276 by 2038
Trucks5%
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$165,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek carry?

About 232 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.5 m) long with a longest span of 188 ft (57.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CR 550E over Big Raccoon Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.