US Bridges

Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek

FairPosted for load

Switzerland County, Indiana · 00.10 E of Plum Creek · Structure no. 7800040

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek in Switzerland County, Indiana. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPopcorn Ridge RD
CrossesPlum Creek
Location00.10 E of Plum Creek
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySwitzerland County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.79688, -85.03928
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic150 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Popcorn Ridge RD 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Popcorn Ridge RD over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.