US Bridges

SR 49-81 over ST Marys River

Fair

Van Wert County, Ohio · 0.1 MI East of Usr 33 · Structure no. 8101027

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
165 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,037
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 49-81 over ST Marys River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 49-81 over ST Marys River in Van Wert County, Ohio. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 2,037 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,827 by 2035. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 49-81
CrossesST Marys River
Location0.1 MI East of Usr 33
RouteState Highway 49
CountyVan Wert County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.74871, -84.78948
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,037 (2015)
Projected traffic2,827 by 2035
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$120,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 49-81 over ST Marys River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is SR 49-81 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 49-81 over ST Marys River carry?

About 2,037 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR 49-81 over ST Marys River?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 49-81 over ST Marys River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.