US Bridges

Ch 38 over Shaw Creek

Poor

Fulton County, Illinois · S1/2-13-T6NR1E · Structure no. 029303900000000

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 38 over Shaw Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ch 38 over Shaw Creek in Fulton County, Illinois. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 76 by 2046. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 38
CrossesShaw Creek
LocationS1/2-13-T6NR1E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFulton County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.49544, -90.34066
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 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 rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2020)
Projected traffic76 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 38 over Shaw Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 38 over Shaw Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Ch 38 over Shaw Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Ch 38 over Shaw Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 38 over Shaw Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.