US Bridges

Il 97 over Littlers Creek

Fair

Knox County, Illinois · 2 MI N of Rapatee · Structure no. 048008300000000

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
115 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,350
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 97 over Littlers Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 97 over Littlers Creek in Knox County, Illinois. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 1,350 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,263 by 2046. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 97
CrossesLittlers Creek
Location2 MI N of Rapatee
RouteState Highway 97
CountyKnox County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.74858, -90.1577
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,350 (2023)
Projected traffic1,263 by 2046
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Il 97 over Littlers Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 97 over Littlers 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Il 97 over Littlers Creek carry?

About 1,350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Il 97 over Littlers Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Il 97 over Littlers Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.