US Bridges

US 52 over Little Blue River

Good

Rush County, Indiana · 06.89 W SR 44 · Structure no. 019320

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
149 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,248
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Little Blue River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 52 over Little Blue River in Rush County, Indiana. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,248 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,711 by 2029. The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 52
CrossesLittle Blue River
Location06.89 W SR 44
RouteU.S. Route 52
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.63975, -85.57015
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.3 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,248 (2022)
Projected traffic6,711 by 2029
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 US 52 over Little Blue River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Little Blue River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does US 52 over Little Blue River carry?

About 3,248 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Little Blue River?

The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Little Blue River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.