US Bridges

CR 550S over Cotton Branch Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Indiana · 00.50 E of CR 1000 E · Structure no. 6700183

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 550S over Cotton Branch Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying CR 550S over Cotton Branch Creek in Putnam County, Indiana. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 120 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 550S
CrossesCotton Branch Creek
Location00.50 E of CR 1000 E
RouteCounty Highway 152
CountyPutnam County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.57945, -86.66164
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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85.3 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2023)
Projected traffic160 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$789,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 550S over Cotton Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 550S over Cotton Branch 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 550S over Cotton Branch Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 550S over Cotton Branch Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CR 550S over Cotton Branch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.