US Bridges

Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch

Fair

Hardin County, Ohio · .3 MI E of JCT of Twp 85 · Structure no. 3338169

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
324
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch in Hardin County, Ohio. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 103 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.

It carries about 324 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2035. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesTownship Road 50
CrossesMathews Ditch
Location.3 MI E of JCT of Twp 85
RouteCounty Highway T0050
CountyHardin County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.76167, -83.74333
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic324 (2015)
Projected traffic450 by 2035
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Township Road 50 over Mathews 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch carry?

About 324 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Township Road 50 over Mathews Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.