US Bridges

SR 3 over Little Blue River

Fair

Rush County, Indiana · 04.81 S US 40 · Structure no. 000850

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,744
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Little Blue River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 3 over Little Blue River in Rush County, Indiana. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 92 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 4,744 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,645 by 2029. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesLittle Blue River
Location04.81 S US 40
RouteState Highway 3
CountyRush County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.73392, -85.44186
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,744 (2022)
Projected traffic6,645 by 2029
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 3 over Little Blue River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is SR 3 over Little Blue River 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Little Blue River carry?

About 4,744 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Little Blue River?

The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 3 over Little Blue River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.