US Bridges

I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 04.51 W SR 243 · Structure no. 041530

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
457 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
34,117
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1993, 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 34,117 vehicles a day, roughly 51% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,100 by 2030. The structure is 457 ft (139.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI-70 EB
CrossesBig Walnut Creek
Location04.51 W SR 243
RouteInterstate 70
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.50303, -86.95537
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length457 ft (139.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,117 (2021)
Projected traffic32,100 by 2030
Trucks51%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is I-70 EB 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek carry?

About 34,117 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 51% are trucks.

How long is I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek?

The structure is 457 ft (139.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns I-70 EB over Big Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.