US Bridges

TR-159A over Southern RR

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Illinois · 2.5 MI N Mt Vernon · Structure no. 041990900000000

Built
1909
116 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
109 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2021 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

TR-159A over Southern RR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying TR-159A over Southern RR in Jefferson County, Illinois. It was built in 1909 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 116 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 275 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 278 by 2046. The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR-159A
CrossesSouthern RR
Location2.5 MI N Mt Vernon
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.38101, -88.91783
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length109 ft (33.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2021)
Projected traffic278 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$338,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was TR-159A over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1909, making it 116 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is TR-159A over Southern RR 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does TR-159A over Southern RR carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is TR-159A over Southern RR?

The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns TR-159A over Southern RR?

It is owned by the Railroad.