US Bridges

Ill 71 over Covel CR

Fair

LaSalle County, Illinois · 7.38 MI E of Ill 178 · Structure no. 050018800000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
192 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 71 over Covel CR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 71 over Covel CR in LaSalle County, Illinois. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 1,650 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,020 by 2046. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 71
CrossesCovel CR
Location7.38 MI E of Ill 178
RouteState Highway 71
CountyLaSalle County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.31666, -88.88259
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,650 (2023)
Projected traffic2,020 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Ill 71 over Covel CR built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 71 over Covel CR 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 Ill 71 over Covel CR carry?

About 1,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ill 71 over Covel CR?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 71 over Covel CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.