US Bridges

TR-217 over Bishop Creek

Fair

Effingham County, Illinois · 3 MI E Watson · Structure no. 025310300000000

Built
1909
116 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR-217 over Bishop Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying TR-217 over Bishop Creek in Effingham County, Illinois. It was built in 1909 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 116 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 6 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 159 by 2046. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR-217
CrossesBishop Creek
Location3 MI E Watson
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEffingham County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.01644, -88.50047
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2023)
Projected traffic159 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$205,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was TR-217 over Bishop Creek built?

It was built in 1909, making it 116 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is TR-217 over Bishop 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does TR-217 over Bishop Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is TR-217 over Bishop Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns TR-217 over Bishop Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.