US Bridges

US 12 over Nippersink Creek

Fair

McHenry County, Illinois · Lake/Mchenry Co.Line · Structure no. 056005700000000

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Nippersink Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over Nippersink Creek in McHenry County, Illinois. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 11,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,440 by 2046. The structure is 159 ft (48.4 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesNippersink Creek
LocationLake/Mchenry Co.Line
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyMcHenry County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.41526, -88.19987
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.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length159 ft (48.4 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,500 (2023)
Projected traffic13,440 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

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 11,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Nippersink Creek?

The structure is 159 ft (48.4 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Nippersink Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.