US Bridges

Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch

Fair

Vigo County, Indiana · 01.50 W Battlerow Pl · Structure no. 8400040

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
188
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch is a wood or timber slab carrying Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch in Vigo County, Indiana. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 188 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 251 by 2037. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBowen Drive
CrossesBlue Ditch
Location01.50 W Battlerow Pl
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVigo County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.29572, -87.56336
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.3 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic188 (2017)
Projected traffic251 by 2037
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch 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 Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch carry?

About 188 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Bowen Drive over Blue Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.