US Bridges

Ch 18 over Clear Creek

Fair

Christian County, Illinois · 6MI NW Palmer · Structure no. 011316500000000

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 18 over Clear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ch 18 over Clear Creek in Christian County, Illinois. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 177 by 2046. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 18
CrossesClear Creek
Location6MI NW Palmer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChristian County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.50997, -89.52733
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2021)
Projected traffic177 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Ch 18 over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 18 over Clear Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Ch 18 over Clear Creek carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ch 18 over Clear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 18 over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.