US Bridges

US 421 over Kinderman Ditch

Fair

Starke County, Indiana · 02.52 N SR 10 · Structure no. 032440

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
89 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,753
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Kinderman Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 421 over Kinderman Ditch in Starke County, Indiana. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 47 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 4,753 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,583 by 2030. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesKinderman Ditch
Location02.52 N SR 10
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyStarke County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.25167, -86.89068
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,753 (2004)
Projected traffic6,583 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 421 over Kinderman Ditch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is US 421 over Kinderman Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 421 over Kinderman Ditch carry?

About 4,753 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Kinderman Ditch?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Kinderman Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.