US Bridges

US 40 over Whitewater River

Fair

Wayne County, Indiana · 00.58 W SR 1 · Structure no. 014080

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,622
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 40 over Whitewater River is a concrete culvert carrying US 40 over Whitewater River in Wayne County, Indiana. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 90 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 5,622 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,300 by 2035. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 40
CrossesWhitewater River
Location00.58 W SR 1
RouteU.S. Route 40
CountyWayne County
StateIndiana
Coordinates39.81274, -85.16565
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating54.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,622 (2015)
Projected traffic7,300 by 2035
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 40 over Whitewater River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US 40 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 40 over Whitewater River carry?

About 5,622 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 40 over Whitewater River?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US 40 over Whitewater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.