US Bridges

US 40 over Walnut Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 06.61 W SR 243 · Structure no. 013680

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
234 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,793
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 40 over Walnut Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 40 over Walnut Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 85 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 6,793 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,530 by 2030. The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 40
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location06.61 W SR 243
RouteU.S. Route 40
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.55167, -86.98333
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.2 US tons
Inventory rating56.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length234 ft (71.3 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.5 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.2 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,793 (2021)
Projected traffic12,530 by 2030
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 40 over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 40 over Walnut 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 40 over Walnut Creek carry?

About 6,793 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 40 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.5 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns US 40 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.