US Bridges

SR 46 over Old Erie Canal

Fair

Vigo County, Indiana · 00.55 E SR 159 · Structure no. 016970

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,068
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 46 over Old Erie Canal is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 46 over Old Erie Canal in Vigo 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 2,068 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,620 by 2034. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 46
CrossesOld Erie Canal
Location00.55 E SR 159
RouteState Highway 46
CountyVigo County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.39023, -87.29544
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,068 (2021)
Projected traffic15,620 by 2034
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 46 over Old Erie Canal built?

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

What condition is SR 46 over Old Erie Canal 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 46 over Old Erie Canal carry?

About 2,068 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 46 over Old Erie Canal?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 46 over Old Erie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.