US Bridges

TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch

Fair

Christian County, Illinois · 4 SW of Owaneco · Structure no. 011321500000000

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch is a concrete slab carrying TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch in Christian County, Illinois. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 51 by 2046. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 273
CrossesCottonwood Branch
Location4 SW of Owaneco
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChristian County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.45078, -89.26426
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 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
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$68,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch 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 TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch carry?

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

How long is TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns TR 273 over Cottonwood Branch?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.