US Bridges

FAS 639 over Bear Creek

Fair

Christian County, Illinois · 2.75 M N of Palmer · Structure no. 011329900000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
179 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 639 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 639 over Bear Creek in Christian County, Illinois. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 253 by 2046. The structure is 179 ft (54.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 639
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.75 M N of Palmer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChristian County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.50663, -89.40371
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.7 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length179 ft (54.7 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2021)
Projected traffic253 by 2046
Trucks8%
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 FAS 639 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 639 over Bear 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 639 over Bear Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FAS 639 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 179 ft (54.7 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 639 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.