US Bridges

Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek

FairPosted for load

Vanderburgh County, Indiana · 00.50 E of Green River RD · Structure no. 8200071

Built
1893
132 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
152 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
325
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. It was built in 1893 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 132 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 325 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 433 by 2040. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesHeckel RD
CrossesBluegrass Creek
Location00.50 E of Green River RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyVanderburgh County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.03494, -87.48278
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck22 ft (6.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic325 (2020)
Projected traffic433 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$879,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek built?

It was built in 1893, making it 132 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Heckel RD over Bluegrass 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek carry?

About 325 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Heckel RD over Bluegrass Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.