US Bridges

SR 70 over Waterman Branch

Fair

Spencer County, Indiana · 00.24 W SR 66 · Structure no. 024620

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,435
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 70 over Waterman Branch is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 70 over Waterman Branch in Spencer County, Indiana. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 101 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 2,435 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,042 by 2030. The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 70
CrossesWaterman Branch
Location00.24 W SR 66
RouteState Highway 70
CountySpencer County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.0013, -86.86331
Functional classRural Major 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length80 ft (24.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,435 (2004)
Projected traffic4,042 by 2030
Trucks10%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SR 70 over Waterman Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SR 70 over Waterman Branch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SR 70 over Waterman Branch carry?

About 2,435 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 70 over Waterman Branch?

The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 70 over Waterman Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.