US Bridges

TR-345A over Elm Creek

PoorPosted for load

Clay County, Illinois · 2 MI E Flora · Structure no. 013311900000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR-345A over Elm Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying TR-345A over Elm Creek in Clay County, Illinois. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 101 by 2046. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesTR-345A
CrossesElm Creek
Location2 MI E Flora
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClay County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.65838, -88.41607
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2021)
Projected traffic101 by 2046
Trucks7%
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$227,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was TR-345A over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR-345A over Elm Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does TR-345A over Elm Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is TR-345A over Elm Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns TR-345A over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.