US Bridges

Old Michigan RD over Big Creek

Fair

Ripley County, Indiana · 00.53 NW of US HWY 421 · Structure no. 6900032

Built
1885
140 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Michigan RD over Big Creek is a masonry culvert carrying Old Michigan RD over Big Creek in Ripley County, Indiana. It was built in 1885, so it is 140 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 325 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Michigan RD
CrossesBig Creek
Location00.53 NW of US HWY 421
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRipley County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.93224, -85.36465
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2022)
Projected traffic325 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$100,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Michigan RD over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1885, making it 140 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Michigan RD over Big 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 Old Michigan RD over Big Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Old Michigan RD over Big Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Old Michigan RD over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.