US Bridges

Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard

Fair

Jackson County, Illinois · E Line Sec 4-9-1 · Structure no. 039316400000000

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,100
2022 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard in Jackson County, Illinois. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,465 by 2046. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesAirport RD FAU 972
CrossesLittle Crab Orchard
LocationE Line Sec 4-9-1
CountyJackson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.76758, -89.22472
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2022)
Projected traffic1,465 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Airport RD FAU 972 over Little Crab Orchard?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.