US Bridges

Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch

Fair

St. Joseph County, Indiana · 00.20 E of Cedar RD · Structure no. 7100022

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,723
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch is a steel culvert carrying Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 80 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 1,723 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,560 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDragoon Trail
CrossesEller Ditch
Location00.20 E of Cedar RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.62547, -86.09464
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,723 (2022)
Projected traffic2,560 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch carry?

About 1,723 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m).

Who owns Dragoon Trail over Eller Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.