US Bridges

Bowen Drive over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

Vigo County, Indiana · 00.20 W SR 63 · Structure no. 8400175

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
188
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bowen Drive over Prairie Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Bowen Drive over Prairie Creek in Vigo County, Indiana. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 188 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 251 by 2037. The structure is 50 ft (15.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBowen Drive
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location00.20 W SR 63
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyVigo County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.29562, -87.50526
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.8 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic188 (2017)
Projected traffic251 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 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 Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bowen Drive over 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 Bowen Drive over Prairie Creek carry?

About 188 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Bowen Drive over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Bowen Drive over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.