US Bridges

Smilax RD over Potato Creek

Fair

St. Joseph County, Indiana · 00.30 N of SR 4 · Structure no. 7100084

Built
1903
122 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
246
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smilax RD over Potato Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Smilax RD over Potato Creek in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It was built in 1903 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 122 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 5 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 246 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmilax RD
CrossesPotato Creek
Location00.30 N of SR 4
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySt. Joseph County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.53821, -86.4463
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic246 (2021)
Projected traffic300 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$15,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smilax RD over Potato Creek built?

It was built in 1903, making it 122 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Smilax RD 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Smilax RD over Potato Creek carry?

About 246 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Smilax RD over Potato Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Smilax RD over Potato Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.