US Bridges

Ill 34 over Hicks Branch

Fair

Hardin County, Illinois · 3.2 MI S of Herod · Structure no. 035000600000000

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
52 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 34 over Hicks Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 34 over Hicks Branch in Hardin County, Illinois. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 101 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 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,465 by 2046. The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 34
CrossesHicks Branch
Location3.2 MI S of Herod
RouteState Highway 34
CountyHardin County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.54633, -88.40456
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 rating82.1 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (16 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2023)
Projected traffic1,465 by 2046
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$152,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 34 over Hicks Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is Ill 34 over Hicks Branch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Ill 34 over Hicks Branch carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Ill 34 over Hicks Branch?

The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 34 over Hicks Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.