US Bridges

CR 550S over Big Blue River

Fair

Shelby County, Indiana · 00.25 E of CR600 W · Structure no. 7300073

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
564 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 550S over Big Blue River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 550S over Big Blue River in Shelby County, Indiana. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 650 by 2041. The structure is 564 ft (172 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 550S
CrossesBig Blue River
Location00.25 E of CR600 W
RouteCounty Highway 37
CountyShelby County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.444, -85.88842
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length564 ft (172 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2021)
Projected traffic650 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 CR 550S over Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 550S over Big 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 CR 550S over Big Blue River carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CR 550S over Big Blue River?

The structure is 564 ft (172 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CR 550S over Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.