US Bridges

US 45 over Cave Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Illinois · 1.7 MI N Massac CO · Structure no. 044001000000000

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Cave Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 45 over Cave Creek in Johnson County, Illinois. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 105 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,205 by 2046. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesCave Creek
Location1.7 MI N Massac CO
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyJohnson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.35803, -88.88639
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.1 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.1 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2023)
Projected traffic2,205 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US 45 over Cave Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is US 45 over Cave 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 US 45 over Cave Creek carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Cave Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Cave Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.