US Bridges

FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch

Fair

Bureau County, Illinois · 3.5 MI W New Bedford · Structure no. 006306200000000

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch in Bureau County, Illinois. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 177 by 2046. The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 243
CrossesUnion Special Ditch
Location3.5 MI W New Bedford
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBureau County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.51113, -89.79199
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.7 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2020)
Projected traffic177 by 2046
Trucks22%
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 FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch?

The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 243 over Union Special Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.