US Bridges

US 12 over Nippersink Creek

Fair

McHenry County, Illinois · 4.9 M NW of Lake CO · Structure no. 056001900000000

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Nippersink Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 12 over Nippersink Creek in McHenry County, Illinois. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 9,650 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,460 by 2046. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesNippersink Creek
Location4.9 M NW of Lake CO
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyMcHenry County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.43983, -88.27622
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,650 (2023)
Projected traffic11,460 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 12 over Nippersink Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is US 12 over Nippersink 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 12 over Nippersink Creek carry?

About 9,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Nippersink Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Nippersink Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.