US Bridges

TR 266 over Polecat Creek

Poor

Coles County, Illinois · 2 MI SW Ashmore · Structure no. 015323300000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
98 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 266 over Polecat Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying TR 266 over Polecat Creek in Coles County, Illinois. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 76 by 2046. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 266
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location2 MI SW Ashmore
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyColes County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.50603, -88.0725
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2024)
Projected traffic76 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 266 over Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR 266 over Polecat 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does TR 266 over Polecat Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is TR 266 over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns TR 266 over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.