US Bridges

PO-500E over Kankakee River

FairClosed to traffic

Porter County, Indiana · 0.13 S CR 500E · Structure no. 6400173

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
153 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

PO-500E over Kankakee River is a steel truss - thru carrying PO-500E over Kankakee River in Porter County, Indiana. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 40 years old, younger 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1 by 2038. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesPO-500E
CrossesKankakee River
Location0.13 S CR 500E
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyPorter County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.21986, -86.96888
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2018)
Projected traffic1 by 2038
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was PO-500E over Kankakee River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is PO-500E over Kankakee River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does PO-500E over Kankakee River carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is PO-500E over Kankakee River?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns PO-500E over Kankakee River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.