US Bridges

Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek

FairPosted for load

Vigo County, Indiana · 00.10 E Harris RD · Structure no. 8400006

Built
1914
111 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek in Vigo County, Indiana. It was built in 1914, so it is 111 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 166 by 2037. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesDowell Drive
CrossesWatkins Creek
Location00.10 E Harris RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVigo County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.27367, -87.24292
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2017)
Projected traffic166 by 2037
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dowell Drive over Watkins 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Dowell Drive over Watkins Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.