US Bridges

Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek

Fair

Alexander County, Illinois · Gale · Structure no. 002000900000000

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
338 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek in Alexander County, Illinois. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 92 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 303 by 2046. The structure is 338 ft (103 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Il RTE 3-GALE
CrossesSexton Creek
LocationGale
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAlexander County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.24838, -89.44897
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length338 ft (103 m)
Longest span172 ft (52.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2022)
Projected traffic303 by 2046
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek?

The structure is 338 ft (103 m) long with a longest span of 172 ft (52.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Old Il RTE 3-GALE over Sexton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.