US Bridges

Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek

FairPosted for load

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.70 SE of US 36 · Structure no. 6700072

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2043. The structure is 58 ft (17.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMorton RD
CrossesBranch of Owl Creek
Location00.70 SE of US 36
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.75203, -86.92767
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating11.9 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.8 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2023)
Projected traffic250 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$943,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Morton RD over Branch of Owl 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 Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.8 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Morton RD over Branch of Owl Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.