US Bridges

US 20 over Willow Creek

Fair

Porter County, Indiana · 01.60 E SR 51 · Structure no. 005220

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
81 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,274
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 over Willow Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 20 over Willow Creek in Porter County, Indiana. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 77 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 10,274 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,988 by 2030. The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 20
CrossesWillow Creek
Location01.60 E SR 51
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyPorter County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.59233, -87.21004
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating50.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length81 ft (24.6 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,274 (2021)
Projected traffic18,988 by 2030
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 20 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is US 20 over Willow 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 over Willow Creek carry?

About 10,274 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 20 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.