US Bridges

I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek

Fair

Lee County, Illinois · 0.6 MI N. Chicago RD · Structure no. 052201000000000

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek in Lee County, Illinois. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 5 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 18,700 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,089 by 2046. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 39&US 51
CrossesWillow Creek
Location0.6 MI N. Chicago RD
RouteInterstate 39
CountyLee County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.70411, -89.02313
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating87.5 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic18,700 (2023)
Projected traffic19,089 by 2046
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 39&US 51 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek carry?

About 18,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns I 39&US 51 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.