US Bridges

Smith Road over Blackberry Creek

Fair

Kane County, Illinois · 2.0 MI S Elburn · Structure no. 045305600000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smith Road over Blackberry Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Smith Road over Blackberry Creek in Kane County, Illinois. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 305 by 2046. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmith Road
CrossesBlackberry Creek
Location2.0 MI S Elburn
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKane County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.85273, -88.46362
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2023)
Projected traffic305 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Smith Road over Blackberry Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smith Road 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Smith Road over Blackberry Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Smith Road over Blackberry Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Smith Road over Blackberry Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.