US Bridges

FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Illinois · 1 MI W Markam City · Structure no. 041002800000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
47 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek in Jefferson County, Illinois. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 5 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 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,434 by 2046. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP-821 (ILL-15)
CrossesBear Creek
Location1 MI W Markam City
RouteState Highway 15
CountyJefferson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.34319, -88.74085
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic3,434 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FAP-821 (ILL-15) over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.