US Bridges

Tower Road over Rickelson Creek

Good

DeKalb County, Illinois · 1320N 100E · Structure no. 019490200000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tower Road over Rickelson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Tower Road over Rickelson Creek in DeKalb County, Illinois. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 112 by 2046. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTower Road
CrossesRickelson Creek
Location1320N 100E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDeKalb County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.82167, -88.92516
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2021)
Projected traffic112 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Tower Road over Rickelson Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tower Road over Rickelson Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Tower Road over Rickelson Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is Tower Road over Rickelson Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns Tower Road over Rickelson Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.