US Bridges

Ch 5 over Ditch

Poor

Clark County, Illinois · 1.75 MI E West Union · Structure no. 012500400000000

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 5 over Ditch is a steel culvert carrying Ch 5 over Ditch in Clark County, Illinois. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 152 by 2046. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 5
CrossesDitch
Location1.75 MI E West Union
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClark County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.21563, -87.63362
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating98.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2021)
Projected traffic152 by 2046
Trucks5%
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

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$99,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ch 5 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 5 over Ditch 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Ch 5 over Ditch carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ch 5 over Ditch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Ch 5 over Ditch?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.