US Bridges

Towpath RD over Sugar Creek

Fair

Parke County, Indiana · 00.30 S of English RD · Structure no. 6100147

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
422 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
454
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Towpath RD over Sugar Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Towpath RD over Sugar Creek in Parke County, Indiana. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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.

It carries about 454 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 540 by 2038. The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTowpath RD
CrossesSugar Creek
Location00.30 S of English RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyParke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.85491, -87.33625
Functional classRural Major 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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length422 ft (128.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic454 (2018)
Projected traffic540 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$603,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Towpath RD over Sugar Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Towpath RD over Sugar 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Towpath RD over Sugar Creek carry?

About 454 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Towpath RD over Sugar Creek?

The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Towpath RD over Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.