US Bridges

FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Illinois · 1 MI N Vandalia · Structure no. 026009600000000

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
152 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek in Fayette County, Illinois. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,692 by 2046. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.9 mi (90 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP-322 (US-51)
CrossesBear Creek
Location1 MI N Vandalia
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyFayette County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.99188, -89.09863
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2023)
Projected traffic4,692 by 2046
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.9 mi (90 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear 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 February 2022.

How much traffic does FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FAP-322 (US-51) over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.