US Bridges

US 231 over Big Raccoon Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.07 N N JCT SR 236 · Structure no. 016070

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
398 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,850
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Big Raccoon Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231 over Big Raccoon Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 44 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 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,600 by 2032. The structure is 398 ft (121.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBig Raccoon Creek
Location00.07 N N JCT SR 236
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.85137, -86.89629
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length398 ft (121.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,850 (2021)
Projected traffic5,600 by 2032
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Raccoon Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is US 231 over Big Raccoon 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 Raccoon Creek carry?

About 3,850 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Big Raccoon Creek?

The structure is 398 ft (121.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Big Raccoon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.