US Bridges

TR 39 over Tower Creek

Poor

Kankakee County, Illinois · 3.5 MI SE Whitaker · Structure no. 046335000000000

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 39 over Tower Creek is a steel culvert carrying TR 39 over Tower Creek in Kankakee County, Illinois. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 77 by 2046. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 39
CrossesTower Creek
Location3.5 MI SE Whitaker
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKankakee County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.20765, -87.71302
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.5 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2021)
Projected traffic77 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 TR 39 over Tower Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR 39 over Tower Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does TR 39 over Tower Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is TR 39 over Tower Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns TR 39 over Tower Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.