US Bridges

SR 156 over Plum Creek

Fair

Switzerland County, Indiana · 01.72 E SR 56 · Structure no. 027740

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,965
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 156 over Plum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 156 over Plum Creek in Switzerland County, Indiana. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 4,965 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,876 by 2030. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 156
CrossesPlum Creek
Location01.72 E SR 56
RouteState Highway 156
CountySwitzerland County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.76241, -85.0419
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,965 (2022)
Projected traffic3,876 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 156 over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 156 over Plum Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 156 over Plum Creek carry?

About 4,965 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 156 over Plum Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 156 over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.