US Bridges

SR 4 over Potato Creek

Fair

St. Joseph County, Indiana · 01.36 W SR 23 · Structure no. 001470

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,544
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 4 over Potato Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 4 over Potato Creek in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 1,544 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,828 by 2030. The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 4
CrossesPotato Creek
Location01.36 W SR 23
RouteState Highway 4
CountySt. Joseph County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.5346, -86.4534
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.3 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,544 (2020)
Projected traffic2,828 by 2030
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 4 over Potato Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is SR 4 over Potato 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 4 over Potato Creek carry?

About 1,544 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 4 over Potato Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 4 over Potato Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.