US Bridges

SR 8 over Yellow River

Poor

Starke County, Indiana · 01.32 W SR 23 · Structure no. 002240

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
266 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,936
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 8 over Yellow River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 8 over Yellow River in Starke County, Indiana. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 61 years old, older than the Indiana average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,936 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,491 by 2030. The structure is 266 ft (81 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 8
CrossesYellow River
Location01.32 W SR 23
RouteState Highway 8
CountyStarke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.28795, -86.54994
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length266 ft (81 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,936 (2021)
Projected traffic6,491 by 2030
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 8 over Yellow River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is SR 8 over Yellow River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 8 over Yellow River carry?

About 3,936 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 8 over Yellow River?

The structure is 266 ft (81 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SR 8 over Yellow River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.