US 51 over Ohio River
FairAlexander County, Illinois · 1 MI S Cairo · Structure no. 002000600000000
- Built
- 1937
- 88 years old, rebuilt 1979
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2024
- Type
- Truss - Thru
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 5,865 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 5,700
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 51 over Ohio River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying US 51 over Ohio River in Alexander County, Illinois. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 88 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 5 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 5,700 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,707 by 2046. The structure is 5,865 ft (1,787.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 51 over Ohio River built?
It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.
What condition is US 51 over Ohio River 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 August 2024.
How much traffic does US 51 over Ohio River carry?
About 5,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.
How long is US 51 over Ohio River?
The structure is 5,865 ft (1,787.7 m) long with a longest span of 800 ft (243.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.
Who owns US 51 over Ohio River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.