US Bridges

US 31 NB over Heston Ditch

Good

St. Joseph County, Indiana · 03.92 N US 6 · Structure no. 079806

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,307
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 NB over Heston Ditch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 31 NB over Heston Ditch in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 8,307 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,568 by 2035. The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31 NB
CrossesHeston Ditch
Location03.92 N US 6
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountySt. Joseph County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.49636, -86.25476
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length55 ft (16.9 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,307 (2020)
Projected traffic15,568 by 2035
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US 31 NB over Heston Ditch built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 NB over Heston Ditch 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 NB over Heston Ditch carry?

About 8,307 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 31 NB over Heston Ditch?

The structure is 55 ft (16.9 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 NB over Heston Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.