US Bridges

SR 81 over Patterson Ditch

FairPosted for load

Allen County, Ohio · 5.0 Mi. East of Ir 75 · Structure no. 0203483

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,172
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 81 over Patterson Ditch is a concrete slab carrying SR 81 over Patterson Ditch in Allen County, Ohio. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,172 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,403 by 2035. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 81
CrossesPatterson Ditch
Location5.0 Mi. East of Ir 75
RouteState Highway 81
CountyAllen County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.76398, -83.98064
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,172 (2015)
Projected traffic4,403 by 2035
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$35,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 81 over Patterson Ditch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 81 over Patterson 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 81 over Patterson Ditch carry?

About 3,172 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 81 over Patterson Ditch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 81 over Patterson Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.