US Bridges

I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad

Fair

McLean County, Illinois · 2.4 MI S Jt I55 ILL9 · Structure no. 057000600000000

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
237 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad in McLean County, Illinois. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 62 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 21,550 vehicles a day, roughly 37% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,422 by 2046. The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-55/I-74 SB
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location2.4 MI S Jt I55 ILL9
RouteInterstate 55
CountyMcLean County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.45249, -89.02381
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.1 US tons
Inventory rating57.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length237 ft (72.2 m)
Longest span92 ft (28.1 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,550 (2023)
Projected traffic22,422 by 2046
Trucks37%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$966,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 21,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 37% are trucks.

How long is I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28.1 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I-55/I-74 SB over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.