US Bridges

SR 38 over Whitewater River

Fair

Wayne County, Indiana · 00.70 W SR 1 · Structure no. 012960

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,596
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38 over Whitewater River is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 38 over Whitewater River in Wayne County, Indiana. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 68 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 4,596 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2041. The structure is 91 ft (27.6 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 38
CrossesWhitewater River
Location00.70 W SR 1
RouteState Highway 38
CountyWayne County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.9107, -85.15619
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,596 (2021)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 38 over Whitewater River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is SR 38 over Whitewater River 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 38 over Whitewater River carry?

About 4,596 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 38 over Whitewater River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SR 38 over Whitewater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.