US Bridges

Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek

Fair

Kane County, Illinois · .4M N of Galena Blvd · Structure no. 045002600000000

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek in Kane County, Illinois. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 67 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 21,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,553 by 2046. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 36 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 56 EB
CrossesBlackberry Creek
Location.4M N of Galena Blvd
RouteState Highway 56
CountyKane County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.77438, -88.41216
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating74.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,800 (2023)
Projected traffic10,553 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$320,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Il 56 EB over Blackberry 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek carry?

About 21,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Il 56 EB over Blackberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.