US Bridges

I-72 (eb) over Friends Creek

Fair

Macon County, Illinois · 1 MI E of Argenta · Structure no. 058009300000000

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
416 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-72 (eb) over Friends Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-72 (eb) over Friends Creek in Macon County, Illinois. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 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 5,950 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,505 by 2046. The structure is 416 ft (126.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-72 (eb)
CrossesFriends Creek
Location1 MI E of Argenta
RouteInterstate 72
CountyMacon County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.98019, -88.79344
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length416 ft (126.7 m)
Longest span149 ft (45.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,950 (2023)
Projected traffic5,505 by 2046
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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-72 (eb) over Friends Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-72 (eb) over Friends 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I-72 (eb) over Friends Creek carry?

About 5,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-72 (eb) over Friends Creek?

The structure is 416 ft (126.7 m) long with a longest span of 149 ft (45.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-72 (eb) over Friends Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.