US Bridges

Ch 3 over Polecat Creek

Fair

Coles County, Illinois · 0.5 Mi. SW Ashmore · Structure no. 015342900000000

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
88 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 3 over Polecat Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ch 3 over Polecat Creek in Coles County, Illinois. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 152 by 2046. The structure is 88 ft (26.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 3
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location0.5 Mi. SW Ashmore
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyColes County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.51953, -88.02659
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length88 ft (26.9 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2024)
Projected traffic152 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ch 3 over Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 3 over Polecat Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Ch 3 over Polecat Creek carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Ch 3 over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.9 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 3 over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.