US Bridges

Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br

Fair

Jo Daviess County, Illinois · 5 MI N Woodbine · Structure no. 043500200000000

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br is a steel culvert carrying Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 253 by 2046. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 15
CrossesBr of Hells Br
Location5 MI N Woodbine
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJo Daviess County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.39935, -90.1602
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2021)
Projected traffic253 by 2046
Trucks19%
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

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 15 over Br of Hells Br built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br 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 Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Ch 15 over Br of Hells Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.