US Bridges

US 421 over Wacknitz Ditch

Fair

Pulaski County, Indiana · 04.60 N SR 14 · Structure no. 032435

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,850
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Wacknitz Ditch is a steel culvert carrying US 421 over Wacknitz Ditch in Pulaski County, Indiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 3,850 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,334 by 2030. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesWacknitz Ditch
Location04.60 N SR 14
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyPulaski County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.12288, -86.89131
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,850 (2004)
Projected traffic5,334 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 421 over Wacknitz Ditch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 over Wacknitz 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 421 over Wacknitz Ditch carry?

About 3,850 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Wacknitz Ditch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Wacknitz Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.