US Bridges

Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch

Fair

Clinton County, Illinois · West Side of Albers · Structure no. 014000800000000

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch in Clinton County, Illinois. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 91 years old, older 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 5 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,610 by 2046. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 161
CrossesLake Creek Branch
LocationWest Side of Albers
RouteState Highway 161
CountyClinton County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.54309, -89.62093
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.4 US tons
Inventory rating56.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2023)
Projected traffic5,610 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$508,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 161 over Lake Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.