US Bridges

FAI 57 over Mississippi River

Fair

Alexander County, Illinois · I-57 at Cairo · Structure no. 002002200000000

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
4,091 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAI 57 over Mississippi River is a steel continuous arch - thru carrying FAI 57 over Mississippi River in Alexander County, Illinois. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 50% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,635 by 2046. The structure is 4,091 ft (1,246.8 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAI 57
CrossesMississippi River
LocationI-57 at Cairo
RouteInterstate 57
CountyAlexander County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.02403, -89.21101
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+14 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length4,091 ft (1,246.8 m)
Longest span821 ft (250.3 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2024)
Projected traffic13,635 by 2046
Trucks50%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAI 57 over Mississippi River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAI 57 over Mississippi 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FAI 57 over Mississippi River carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 50% are trucks.

How long is FAI 57 over Mississippi River?

The structure is 4,091 ft (1,246.8 m) long with a longest span of 821 ft (250.3 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns FAI 57 over Mississippi River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.