US Bridges

US 52 over Fox River

PoorPosted for load

LaSalle County, Illinois · 2.10 MI W of Ill 71 · Structure no. 050005800000000

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Other
Concrete
Length
459 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,850
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Fox River is a concrete other carrying US 52 over Fox River in LaSalle County, Illinois. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 94 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,850 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,323 by 2046. The structure is 459 ft (139.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesFox River
Location2.10 MI W of Ill 71
RouteU.S. Route 52
CountyLaSalle County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.48541, -88.68699
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length459 ft (139.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,850 (2023)
Projected traffic2,323 by 2046
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Fox River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is US 52 over Fox River 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 US 52 over Fox River carry?

About 1,850 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Fox River?

The structure is 459 ft (139.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Fox River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.