By MICHAELA SPRINGER
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Recent inspection reports reveal the Hazel Dell Parkway bridge in Carmel was rated as “good” or “very good” condition before its partial collapse on Aug. 15.
Record rainfall and surging water caused severe damage to the Hazel Dell Parkway Bridge, south of 106th Street near Blue Woods Creek.
Indiana’s I-Team obtained bridge inspection reports from 2023 and 2025.
Most bridges in the country are required to be inspected at least every two years.
The 2023 inspection, conducted by United Consulting, noted the bridge deck and wearing surface (top layer) were in “good” condition.
Inspectors noted some “longitudinal and transverse cracks” in the concrete deck and surface.
Inspectors noted the bridge’s substructure or supports were in “very good” condition in 2023, noting only minor cracks.
The inspection also looked at how the creek flows underneath the bridge. Inspectors noted it was in “very good” condition, noting it was well vegetated.
In 2023, inspectors did not note any proposed improvements, writing “no major work needed.”
The 2025 inspection, authored by USI Consultants, also noted that the bridge was in “good,” “very good,” or “excellent condition.”
The 2025 inspection report also noted longitudinal and transverse cracking, honeycombing on beams, and minor cracks in concrete abutments.
Images from inspection reports showing key points of the Hazel Dell Parkway bridge in 2025, a year before the bridge’s complete collapse due to floodwaters on Aug. 15. The left photo shows the bottom of the beams and decks, and the right photo shows the first abutment. (Photos provided by USI Consultants)
Inspectors recommended Hamilton County, which maintains the bridge, remove brush and trees from near the bridge.
The bridge, built in 1998, will need a total replacement because of the recent water damage.
While the area remains off-limits to the public, city officials said the work to stabilize the infrastructure is complete.
The project began when Carmel crews and local engineering partners built a temporary dam across the water flow. Officials said the barrier calmed the water around the pipes and eased structural concerns.
The Indiana National Guard provided a second layer of protection. Two Black Hawk helicopter crews dropped 2,000-pound sandbags to create a backup barrier in case water breaches the first dam.
This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/i-team/hazel-dell-parkway-bridge-collapse.
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