US Bridges

SR 46 over Western Creek

Fair

Ripley County, Indiana · 02.18 W SR 101 · Structure no. 017440

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,417
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 46 over Western Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 46 over Western Creek in Ripley County, Indiana. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 93 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 5,417 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,784 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 46
CrossesWestern Creek
Location02.18 W SR 101
RouteState Highway 46
CountyRipley County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.27872, -85.1367
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,417 (2022)
Projected traffic5,784 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 46 over Western Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is SR 46 over Western 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 46 over Western Creek carry?

About 5,417 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 46 over Western Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 46 over Western Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.