US Bridges

Towpath RD over Jim Branch

FairPosted for load

Parke County, Indiana · 00.10 N of CR 925 N · Structure no. 6100151

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
122
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Towpath RD over Jim Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Towpath RD over Jim Branch in Parke County, Indiana. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 122 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 145 by 2038. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTowpath RD
CrossesJim Branch
Location00.10 N of CR 925 N
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyParke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.90028, -87.35919
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic122 (2018)
Projected traffic145 by 2038
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Towpath RD over Jim Branch built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Towpath RD over Jim Branch 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 Jim Branch carry?

About 122 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Towpath RD over Jim Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Towpath RD over Jim Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.