US Bridges

SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch

Fair

Whitley County, Indiana · 02.13 N US 30 · Structure no. 025450

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,470
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch in Whitley County, Indiana. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 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 5,470 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,927 by 2032. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 109
CrossesBlue Babe Branch
Location02.13 N US 30
RouteState Highway 109
CountyWhitley County
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.20023, -85.49164
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,470 (2021)
Projected traffic8,927 by 2032
Trucks7%
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 109 over Blue Babe Branch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch carry?

About 5,470 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SR 109 over Blue Babe Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.