US Bridges

TR-271 over Branch Little Muddy

Poor

Clay County, Illinois · 2 MI NW Clay City · Structure no. 013500300000000

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
56 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR-271 over Branch Little Muddy is a steel culvert carrying TR-271 over Branch Little Muddy in Clay County, Illinois. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 35 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 35 by 2046. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR-271
CrossesBranch Little Muddy
Location2 MI NW Clay City
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClay County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.71951, -88.36154
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 inspectionMarch 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 adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating98.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length56 ft (17.1 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 traffic35 (2021)
Projected traffic35 by 2046
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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-271 over Branch Little Muddy built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR-271 over Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does TR-271 over Branch Little Muddy carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is TR-271 over Branch Little Muddy?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.3 m).

Who owns TR-271 over Branch Little Muddy?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.