US Bridges

I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Cumberland County, Illinois · 6.5MI E Eff CO Line · Structure no. 018004400000000

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
177 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek in Cumberland County, Illinois. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 57 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 11,550 vehicles a day, roughly 61% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,520 by 2046. The structure is 177 ft (53.9 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-70 (wb)
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location6.5MI E Eff CO Line
RouteInterstate 70
CountyCumberland County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.21298, -88.25891
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 rating85.3 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length177 ft (53.9 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,550 (2023)
Projected traffic13,520 by 2046
Trucks61%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 11,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 61% are trucks.

How long is I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 177 ft (53.9 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-70 (wb) over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.