US Bridges

C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby

FairPosted for load

Union County, Ohio · 0.04 MI N of SR161 · Structure no. 8032289

Built
1870
155 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
320
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby is a wood or timber arch - thru carrying C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby in Union County, Ohio. It was built in 1870 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 155 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 320 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 444 by 2041. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesC87A Axe Handle RD
CrossesLittle Darby
Location0.04 MI N of SR161
RouteCounty Highway C0087
CountyUnion County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.11573, -83.42522
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic320 (2015)
Projected traffic444 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$148,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby built?

It was built in 1870, making it 155 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby 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 C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby carry?

About 320 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns C87A Axe Handle RD over Little Darby?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.