US Bridges

Big Cut RD over BNSF RR

PoorClosed to traffic

Carroll County, Illinois · 3 MI SW Mt Carroll · Structure no. 008991200000000

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2018
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
194 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

Big Cut RD over BNSF RR is a steel truss - thru carrying Big Cut RD over BNSF RR in Carroll County, Illinois. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 51 by 2046. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Cut RD
CrossesBNSF RR
Location3 MI SW Mt Carroll
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCarroll County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.05133, -90.03654
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJune 2018
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating4.6 US tons
Inventory rating2.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+8 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic51 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$359,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Cut RD over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Cut RD over BNSF RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2018.

How much traffic does Big Cut RD over BNSF RR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Big Cut RD over BNSF RR?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Big Cut RD over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the Railroad.