US Bridges

CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.30 E of CR 400 E · Structure no. 6700042

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
221 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
290
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 290 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2043. The structure is 221 ft (67.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 500N
CrossesBig Walnut Creek
Location00.30 E of CR 400 E
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.73214, -86.77245
Functional classRural Local

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length221 ft (67.5 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic290 (2023)
Projected traffic400 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 500N 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 CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek carry?

About 290 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek?

The structure is 221 ft (67.5 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CR 500N over Big Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.