US Bridges

French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek

Fair

Vigo County, Indiana · 00.30 W SR 63 · Structure no. 8400047

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
691
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek in Vigo County, Indiana. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 691 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 921 by 2037. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFrench DR
CrossesBranch of Prairie Creek
Location00.30 W SR 63
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVigo County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.28836, -87.50485
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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic691 (2017)
Projected traffic921 by 2037
Trucks3%
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 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 French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is French DR over Branch of Prairie 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 French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek carry?

About 691 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns French DR over Branch of Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.