US Bridges

Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek

PoorPosted for load

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.50 W of CR 125 W · Structure no. 6700091

Built
1880
145 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
175 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1880, so it is 145 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,920 by 2043. The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesDunbar RD
CrossesBig Walnut Creek
Location00.50 W of CR 125 W
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.65863, -86.88347
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating6.9 US tons
Inventory rating6.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length175 ft (53.2 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2023)
Projected traffic1,920 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5.3 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1880, making it 145 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek?

The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Dunbar RD over Big Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.