US Bridges

Ch 15 over Prairie Creek

FairPosted for load

LaSalle County, Illinois · E 22nd N 1356 · Structure no. 050522300000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 15 over Prairie Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Ch 15 over Prairie Creek in LaSalle County, Illinois. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesCh 15
CrossesPrairie Creek
LocationE 22nd N 1356
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLaSalle County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.12928, -88.73989
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2020)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks7%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ch 15 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 15 over Prairie 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 Ch 15 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Ch 15 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns Ch 15 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.