US Bridges

SR 156 over North Branch

Fair

Switzerland County, Indiana · 02.07 W SR 56 · Structure no. 027840

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,272
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 156 over North Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 156 over North Branch in Switzerland County, Indiana. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 1,272 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,921 by 2031. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 156
CrossesNorth Branch
Location02.07 W SR 56
RouteState Highway 156
CountySwitzerland County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.8954, -84.86023
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 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 rating100 US tons
Inventory rating97.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,272 (2022)
Projected traffic1,921 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 North Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 156 over North 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 156 over North Branch carry?

About 1,272 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 156 over North Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 156 over North Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.