US Bridges

SR 56 over Elk Creek

Fair

Washington County, Indiana · 01.93 W SR 39 · Structure no. 020220

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
103 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,957
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 56 over Elk Creek is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 56 over Elk Creek in Washington County, Indiana. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 53 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 3,957 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,370 by 2036. The structure is 103 ft (31.3 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 56
CrossesElk Creek
Location01.93 W SR 39
RouteState Highway 56
CountyWashington County
StateIndiana
Coordinates38.68043, -85.92488
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,957 (2022)
Projected traffic5,370 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 56 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is SR 56 over Elk 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 56 over Elk Creek carry?

About 3,957 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 56 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 56 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.