US Bridges

Ch 51 over Fall Creek

Fair

Adams County, Illinois · 1.0 NE Fall Creek · Structure no. 001302000000000

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 51 over Fall Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ch 51 over Fall Creek in Adams County, Illinois. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 77 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 505 by 2046. The structure is 110 ft (33.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 51
CrossesFall Creek
Location1.0 NE Fall Creek
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAdams County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.79071, -91.29134
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.4 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2024)
Projected traffic505 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ch 51 over Fall Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Ch 51 over Fall 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 2022.

How much traffic does Ch 51 over Fall Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Ch 51 over Fall Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.4 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 51 over Fall Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.