US Bridges

Il 78 over East Plum River

Fair

Carroll County, Illinois · 3 Mi. N. Mt Carroll · Structure no. 008004200000000

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
185 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
625
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 78 over East Plum River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 78 over East Plum River in Carroll County, Illinois. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 625 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 657 by 2046. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesIl 78
CrossesEast Plum River
Location3 Mi. N. Mt Carroll
RouteState Highway 78
Coordinates42.15431, -89.98738
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic625 (2023)
Projected traffic657 by 2046
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Il 78 over East Plum River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 78 over East Plum 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Il 78 over East Plum River carry?

About 625 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Il 78 over East Plum River?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Il 78 over East Plum River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.