US Bridges

Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four

Fair

Ford County, Illinois · 950E 1200N · Structure no. 027333400000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
625
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four is a concrete channel beam carrying Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four in Ford County, Illinois. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 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 625 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 480 by 2046. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 3 Melvin Sibley
CrossesThe Big Four
Location950E 1200N
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFord County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.57409, -88.2814
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic625 (2023)
Projected traffic480 by 2046
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four carry?

About 625 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 3 Melvin Sibley over The Big Four?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.