US Bridges

TR 297 over Walker Creek

Poor

Henry County, Illinois · 2.0 MI NW Kewanee · Structure no. 037315300000000

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 297 over Walker Creek is a concrete slab carrying TR 297 over Walker Creek in Henry County, Illinois. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 54 by 2046. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 297
CrossesWalker Creek
Location2.0 MI NW Kewanee
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHenry County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.27445, -89.95555
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic54 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 TR 297 over Walker Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR 297 over Walker 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does TR 297 over Walker Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is TR 297 over Walker Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns TR 297 over Walker Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.