US Bridges

US 421 over Brown Ditch

Fair

White County, Indiana · 02.20 N SR 16 · Structure no. 032390

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,798
2004 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Brown Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 421 over Brown Ditch in White County, Indiana. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 96 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 6 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 4,798 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,645 by 2030. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 421
CrossesBrown Ditch
Location02.20 N SR 16
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyWhite County
StateIndiana
Coordinates40.90019, -86.8796
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,798 (2004)
Projected traffic6,645 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 421 over Brown Ditch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 421 over Brown Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 421 over Brown Ditch carry?

About 4,798 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Brown Ditch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Brown Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.