US Bridges

Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek

Poor

Macon County, Illinois · 2 MI N of Argenta · Structure no. 058330400000000

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
121 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek in Macon County, Illinois. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 126 by 2046. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesCh 18(SCHOOL Rd)
CrossesFriends Creek
Location2 MI N of Argenta
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates40.01102, -88.82511
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span59 ft (18.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2020)
Projected traffic126 by 2046
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 18(SCHOOL Rd) over Friends Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.