US Bridges

US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River)

Poor

Porter County, Indiana · 00.94 W SR 249 · Structure no. 003230

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
286 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,635
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River) is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River) in Porter County, Indiana. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 55 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 2 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.

It carries about 4,635 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,085 by 2030. The structure is 286 ft (87.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS 12 EB
CrossesBurns Ditch (deep River)
Location00.94 W SR 249
RouteU.S. Route 12
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.61845, -87.17632
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length286 ft (87.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,635 (2021)
Projected traffic5,085 by 2030
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River) built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River) 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River) carry?

About 4,635 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River)?

The structure is 286 ft (87.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 EB over Burns Ditch (deep River)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.