US Bridges

I-71 NB over Owl Creek

Good

Morrow County, Ohio · 2.61 MI N of SR95 · Structure no. 5901650

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
79 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,043
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 NB over Owl Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying I-71 NB over Owl Creek in Morrow County, Ohio. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 66 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 23,043 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,984 by 2035. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-71 NB
CrossesOwl Creek
Location2.61 MI N of SR95
RouteInterstate 71
StateOhio
Coordinates40.52254, -82.68166
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,043 (2015)
Projected traffic31,984 by 2035
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-71 NB over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is I-71 NB over Owl Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does I-71 NB over Owl Creek carry?

About 23,043 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I-71 NB over Owl Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 NB over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.