This section of E 700 S is functionally classified as a minor collector and has a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. The existing typical roadway approach of E 700 S consists of two 11-foot-wide travel lanes (one eastbound and one westbound) with no shoulders present. The existing Bridge No. 44-00049 is a prestressed concrete box beam bridge with an asphalt overlay. The existing bridge has a total length of 75 feet, an out-to-out coping width of 24.1 feet and existing clear roadway width of 23.9 feet. The original bridge was originally constructed in 1930 with a rehabilitation in 1970. The bridge is not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The need for the proposed project is evidenced by the deteriorating condition of the bridge, poor roadway alignment, and the substandard geometry of the roadway. Specific condition ratings noted in the November 4, 2021, INDOT Bridge Inspection Report for Bridge No. 44-0049 include 5 (fair) out of 9 (excellent) for the deck, 5 (fair) out of 9 (excellent) for the substructure, and 5 (fair) out of 9 (excellent) for the superstructure. A score of 0 indicates failed condition and a score of 9 indicates excellent condition. Deficiencies noted in the Bridge Inspection Report include longitudinal cracking for the deck, cracking and delamination for the superstructure, and deterioration and spalling for the substructure.
The bridge is load posted at 35 tons. Additionally, the bridge does not meet the standard INDOT geometric clear roadway width requirements of 30 feet, and E 700 S currently does not meet standard horizontal and vertical sight distances. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the condition ratings of Bridge No. 44-00049 to at least a 7 (good) out of 9 (excellent) for the bridge deck, substructure, and superstructure and raise the inventory load rating to not require load posting. An additional purpose of the project is to improve the roadside geometrics including the substandard vertical sight distance.
The current proposed project would replace and widen Bridge No. 44-00049 while at the minimum maintaining the current vertical clearance. The roadway directly west and east of the bridge will be raised slightly to improve the approaching sight distance. It is anticipated that the proposed project would require the acquisition of less than 0.5 acre additional permanent right-of-way. No relocations are anticipated as a result of the proposed project. Maintenance of traffic for the project is expected to include a detour for through traffic. A full MOT plan will be developed as design further develops. Construction is expected to begin Fall 2027 during off-season for boating.