US Bridges

Usr 68 over Cowan Creek

Fair

Clinton County, Ohio · 1.86 MI S of Wilmington · Structure no. 1401149

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,779
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Usr 68 over Cowan Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Usr 68 over Cowan Creek in Clinton County, Ohio. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 4,779 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,633 by 2035. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUsr 68
CrossesCowan Creek
Location1.86 MI S of Wilmington
RouteU.S. Route 68
CountyClinton County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.38391, -83.85977
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,779 (2015)
Projected traffic6,633 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Usr 68 over Cowan Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Usr 68 over Cowan Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Usr 68 over Cowan Creek carry?

About 4,779 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Usr 68 over Cowan Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Usr 68 over Cowan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.