US Bridges

SR 243 over Deer Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.46 S US 40 · Structure no. 030090

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,148
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 243 over Deer Creek is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 243 over Deer Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 59 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 1,148 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,142 by 2033. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 243
CrossesDeer Creek
Location00.46 S US 40
RouteState Highway 243
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.56823, -86.86748
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,148 (2021)
Projected traffic2,142 by 2033
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SR 243 over Deer Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is SR 243 over Deer 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SR 243 over Deer Creek carry?

About 1,148 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SR 243 over Deer Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 243 over Deer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.