US Bridges

SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch

Fair

Porter County, Indiana · 02.73 W SR 49 · Structure no. 002140

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
111 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,957
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch in Porter County, Indiana. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 73 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 3,957 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,850 by 2030. The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 8
CrossesSandy Hook Ditch
Location02.73 W SR 49
RouteState Highway 8
CountyPorter County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.31853, -87.07819
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length111 ft (33.8 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,957 (2022)
Projected traffic5,850 by 2030
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch carry?

About 3,957 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch?

The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 8 over Sandy Hook Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.