US Bridges

US 231 over Big Walnut Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 02.54 N SR 240 · Structure no. 016030

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
204 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,550
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Big Walnut Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 231 over Big Walnut Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 94 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 9,550 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,930 by 2033. The structure is 204 ft (62.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBig Walnut Creek
Location02.54 N SR 240
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.66509, -86.87032
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length204 ft (62.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,550 (2021)
Projected traffic9,930 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 231 over Big Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is US 231 over Big 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 231 over Big Walnut Creek carry?

About 9,550 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Big Walnut Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Big Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.