US Bridges

CR 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River

Fair

Shelby County, Indiana · 00.25 W of CR 500 E · Structure no. 7300179

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River is a steel culvert carrying CR 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River in Shelby County, Indiana. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2041. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 850 North
CrossesFork of Big Blue River
Location00.25 W of CR 500 E
RouteCounty Highway 266
CountyShelby County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.64785, -85.69042
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic350 by 2041
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 850 North over Fork of 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 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns CR 850 North over Fork of Big Blue River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.