US Bridges

Il 78 over Special Ditch

Fair

Henry County, Illinois · 0.3 Mi. N. Hooppole · Structure no. 037014600000000

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 78 over Special Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 78 over Special Ditch in Henry County, Illinois. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 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 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,242 by 2046. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 78
CrossesSpecial Ditch
Location0.3 Mi. N. Hooppole
RouteState Highway 78
CountyHenry County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.52805, -89.91346
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2023)
Projected traffic1,242 by 2046
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Il 78 over Special Ditch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 78 over Special Ditch 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 2022.

How much traffic does Il 78 over Special Ditch carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is Il 78 over Special Ditch?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Il 78 over Special Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.