US Bridges

Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek

Fair

Jo Daviess County, Illinois · 6 MI SW Apple River · Structure no. 043312900000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
225
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 225 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 227 by 2046. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTownship Road No 1
CrossesHells Branch Creek
Location6 MI SW Apple River
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJo Daviess County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.45124, -90.18076
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2021)
Projected traffic227 by 2046
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Township Road No 1 over Hells Branch Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.