US Bridges

Bowsher RD over Mill Creek

FairPosted for load

Parke County, Indiana · 00.20 E of Towpath RD · Structure no. 6100159

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
91 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
63
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bowsher RD over Mill Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Bowsher RD over Mill Creek 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 6 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 63 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 75 by 2038. The structure is 91 ft (27.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBowsher RD
CrossesMill Creek
Location00.20 E of Towpath RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyParke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.92981, -87.35183
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 length91 ft (27.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic63 (2018)
Projected traffic75 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bowsher RD over Mill Creek built?

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

What condition is Bowsher RD over Mill 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 Bowsher RD over Mill Creek carry?

About 63 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bowsher RD over Mill Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Bowsher RD over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.