US Bridges

Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek

FairPosted for load

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.65 MI E of CR275E · Structure no. 6700131

Built
1906
119 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1906 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 119 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 94 ft (28.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDevil Backbone RD
CrossesDeer Creek
Location00.65 MI E of CR275E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.61047, -86.78743
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length94 ft (28.6 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2023)
Projected traffic160 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek built?

It was built in 1906, making it 119 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is Devil Backbone RD 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.6 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Devil Backbone RD over Deer Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.