US Bridges

Il 251 over Willow Creek

Fair

Lee County, Illinois · 0.8 Mi. N. of US 30 · Structure no. 052006900000000

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
103 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 251 over Willow Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 251 over Willow Creek in Lee County, Illinois. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,111 by 2046. The structure is 103 ft (31.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 251
CrossesWillow Creek
Location0.8 Mi. N. of US 30
RouteState Highway 251
CountyLee County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.77197, -89.0836
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable 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 rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length103 ft (31.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2023)
Projected traffic1,111 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 251 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 251 over Willow 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Il 251 over Willow Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Il 251 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Il 251 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.