US Bridges

SR 48 over Laughery Creek

Fair

Ripley County, Indiana · 01.70 E SR 229 · Structure no. 017850

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
215 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,063
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 48 over Laughery Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 48 over Laughery Creek in Ripley County, Indiana. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 1,063 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 870 by 2031. The structure is 215 ft (65.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 48
CrossesLaughery Creek
Location01.70 E SR 229
RouteState Highway 48
CountyRipley County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.19723, -85.24731
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.4 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length215 ft (65.6 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,063 (2022)
Projected traffic870 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 48 over Laughery Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is SR 48 over Laughery 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR 48 over Laughery Creek carry?

About 1,063 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 48 over Laughery Creek?

The structure is 215 ft (65.6 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 48 over Laughery Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.