US Bridges

Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek

FairPosted for load

Ripley County, Indiana · 00.37 S of CR 350 E · Structure no. 6900013

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
174 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek in Ripley County, Indiana. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2042. The structure is 174 ft (53.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCavehill Road
CrossesLaughery Creek
Location00.37 S of CR 350 E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRipley County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.99719, -85.18243
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length174 ft (53.1 m)
Longest span168 ft (51.3 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 traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic150 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$500,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cavehill Road 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek?

The structure is 174 ft (53.1 m) long with a longest span of 168 ft (51.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Cavehill Road over Laughery Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.