US Bridges

TR-159 over Little Muddy

Poor

Clay County, Illinois · 3 MI NW Sailor Sprin · Structure no. 013500100000000

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR-159 over Little Muddy is a steel culvert carrying TR-159 over Little Muddy in Clay County, Illinois. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 126 by 2046. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR-159
CrossesLittle Muddy
Location3 MI NW Sailor Sprin
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClay County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.80151, -88.39292
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.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating98.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2021)
Projected traffic126 by 2046
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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-159 over Little Muddy built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR-159 over Little Muddy 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 2024.

How much traffic does TR-159 over Little Muddy carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is TR-159 over Little Muddy?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.3 m).

Who owns TR-159 over Little Muddy?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.