US Bridges

Knowles RD over Black River

FairPosted for load

Posey County, Indiana · 0.01 MI N of Mulkey RD · Structure no. 6500183

Built
1907
118 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
138
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Knowles RD over Black River is a steel truss - thru carrying Knowles RD over Black River in Posey County, Indiana. It was built in 1907, so it is 118 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 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 138 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 193 by 2042. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKnowles RD
CrossesBlack River
Location0.01 MI N of Mulkey RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPosey County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.19125, -87.76744
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.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating29.1 US tons
Inventory rating17.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic138 (2022)
Projected traffic193 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Knowles RD over Black River built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025.

What condition is Knowles RD over Black 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Knowles RD over Black River carry?

About 138 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Knowles RD over Black River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Knowles RD over Black River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.