US Bridges

Union RD over Little Blue River

Fair

Shelby County, Indiana · 00.50 W of CR 550 E · Structure no. 7300030

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union RD over Little Blue River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Union RD over Little Blue River in Shelby County, Indiana. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2041. The structure is 167 ft (50.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion RD
CrossesLittle Blue River
Location00.50 W of CR 550 E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyShelby County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.57271, -85.67466
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length167 ft (50.8 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2023)
Projected traffic200 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$150,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Union RD over Little Blue River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union RD over Little Blue River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Union RD over Little Blue River carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Union RD over Little Blue River?

The structure is 167 ft (50.8 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Union RD over Little Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.