US Bridges

Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River

Fair

Fulton County, Illinois · 1 MI N JCT 136 · Structure no. 029005600000000

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
592 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River in Fulton County, Illinois. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,333 by 2046. The structure is 592 ft (180.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesIll 78 & 97
CrossesSpoon River
Location1 MI N JCT 136
RouteState Highway 78
CountyFulton County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.30727, -90.08602
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length592 ft (180.4 m)
Longest span223 ft (68 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2023)
Projected traffic3,333 by 2046
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River?

The structure is 592 ft (180.4 m) long with a longest span of 223 ft (68 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 78 & 97 over Spoon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.