US Bridges

SR-197 over St. Marys River

Fair

Auglaize County, Ohio · 1.97MI.E.OF Jct. SR-116 · Structure no. 0602736

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
188 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
413
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-197 over St. Marys River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR-197 over St. Marys River in Auglaize County, Ohio. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 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 413 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 573 by 2035. The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-197
CrossesSt. Marys River
Location1.97MI.E.OF Jct. SR-116
RouteState Highway 197
CountyAuglaize County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.65511, -84.39678
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length188 ft (57.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic413 (2015)
Projected traffic573 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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-197 over St. Marys River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR-197 over St. Marys 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR-197 over St. Marys River carry?

About 413 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR-197 over St. Marys River?

The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR-197 over St. Marys River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.