US Bridges

Ill 138 over FAI 55

Fair

Macoupin County, Illinois · I-55/IL 138 Int · Structure no. 059003900000000

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
275 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,350
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 138 over FAI 55 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 138 over FAI 55 in Macoupin County, Illinois. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 3,350 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,990 by 2046. The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 138
CrossesFAI 55
LocationI-55/IL 138 Int
RouteState Highway 138
CountyMacoupin County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.07198, -89.75619
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length275 ft (83.8 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,350 (2023)
Projected traffic3,990 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 138 over FAI 55 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 138 over FAI 55 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 138 over FAI 55 carry?

About 3,350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Ill 138 over FAI 55?

The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 138 over FAI 55?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.