US Bridges

Ill 3 over Cache River

Fair

Alexander County, Illinois · 2.8 MI S Ill 127 · Structure no. 002001400000000

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
281 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 3 over Cache River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 3 over Cache River in Alexander County, Illinois. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 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 1,950 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,172 by 2046. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 3
CrossesCache River
Location2.8 MI S Ill 127
RouteState Highway 3
CountyAlexander County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.09353, -89.25665
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 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 rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,950 (2023)
Projected traffic2,172 by 2046
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Ill 3 over Cache River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Ill 3 over Cache 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Ill 3 over Cache River carry?

About 1,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Ill 3 over Cache River?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 3 over Cache River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.