US Bridges

TR 261 over Prairie Fork

FairPosted for load

Christian County, Illinois · 2 MI W. Palmer · Structure no. 011320500000000

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 261 over Prairie Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying TR 261 over Prairie Fork 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 101 by 2046. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 261
CrossesPrairie Fork
Location2 MI W. Palmer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChristian County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.45856, -89.45011
Functional classRural Local

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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2021)
Projected traffic101 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 TR 261 over Prairie Fork built?

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

What condition is TR 261 over Prairie Fork 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 2024.

How much traffic does TR 261 over Prairie Fork carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is TR 261 over Prairie Fork?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns TR 261 over Prairie Fork?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.