US Bridges

Il 96 over Bear Creek

Fair

Adams County, Illinois · 1.4M N Marcelline · Structure no. 001005200000000

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,350
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 96 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 96 over Bear Creek in Adams County, Illinois. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 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 2,350 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,576 by 2046. The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 96
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.4M N Marcelline
RouteState Highway 96
CountyAdams County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.13756, -91.36474
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length303 ft (92.4 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,350 (2023)
Projected traffic2,576 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 96 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 96 over Bear Creek 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Il 96 over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Il 96 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Il 96 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.