Scour Critical Bridges in Ohio

12 bridges in Ohio at risk from water erosion around foundations.

Scour Critical Bridges

Scour is the erosion of soil and rock around a bridge's foundation caused by moving water. When foundations are exposed or undermined, a bridge can collapse even if its deck and superstructure are in good condition. Scour is the leading cause of bridge failures in the US. These 12 bridges in Ohio have been identified as vulnerable to scour damage.

Clear
Bridge State Scour Status Condition Year Built ADT
CUYAHOGA RIVER Ohio Scour Critical — Unaddressed Poor 1900 100
BRUSHY FORK Ohio Scour Critical — Unaddressed Poor 1940 96
TRIB N BR SYCAMORE CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Ineffective Good 1982 13,431
FRENCH CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Ineffective Good 2023 8,955
RUSSELL CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Ineffective Good 2024 2,547
CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Ineffective Good 2022 588
HARMON RD/CHAPPEL CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Ineffective Good 2024 140
DUCK CREEK * STEVEN Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Ineffective Good 2024 20
EB BLACK RIV E. BROAD ST Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1907 13,842
TRIBUTARY ELK CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1994 3,552
BLUE JACKET CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Good 1965 3,475
BOKENGEHALAS CREEK Ohio Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1966 618

Scour Critical Rating Codes

Code 2 — UnaddressedBridge is scour critical with no countermeasures installed. The foundation is vulnerable and no protective action has been taken.
Code 3 — Countermeasures InstalledProtective measures (riprap, sheet piling, etc.) have been installed to reduce scour risk, but the bridge remains classified as scour critical.
Code 6 — Countermeasures IneffectiveProtective measures were installed but have been assessed as ineffective. The bridge requires re-evaluation and additional action.

About Scour Critical Bridges

Scour critical bridges have been identified through underwater inspection or analysis as having foundations that are unstable or could become unstable during flood conditions. FHWA requires action plans for all scour critical bridges. Famous scour failures include the 1987 Schoharie Creek Bridge collapse in New York.