US Bridges

Ch 3 over Unknown Creek

Fair

Jersey County, Illinois · 0.5 Miles Sof Kemper · Structure no. 042309700000000

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
275
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 3 over Unknown Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ch 3 over Unknown Creek in Jersey County, Illinois. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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.

It carries about 275 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 253 by 2046. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 3
CrossesUnknown Creek
Location0.5 Miles Sof Kemper
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJersey County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.21288, -90.16594
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2022)
Projected traffic253 by 2046
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ch 3 over Unknown Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 3 over Unknown 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Ch 3 over Unknown Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Ch 3 over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 3 over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.