US Bridges

TR-279 over Bear Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Illinois · 2.5 MI NW Correct Cn · Structure no. 026312200000000

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
75
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR-279 over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying TR-279 over Bear Creek in Fayette County, Illinois. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 26 by 2046. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR-279
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.5 MI NW Correct Cn
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFayette County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.04281, -89.14267
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2023)
Projected traffic26 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$83,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was TR-279 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR-279 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does TR-279 over Bear Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is TR-279 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns TR-279 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.