US Bridges

TR 173 over Joe Creek

PoorPosted for load

Macoupin County, Illinois · 3 Mi. W. Hettick · Structure no. 059304300000000

Built
1916
109 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Other
Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 173 over Joe Creek is a concrete other carrying TR 173 over Joe Creek in Macoupin County, Illinois. It was built in 1916, so it is 109 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2046. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 173
CrossesJoe Creek
Location3 Mi. W. Hettick
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMacoupin County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.34673, -90.09438
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic51 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$78,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was TR 173 over Joe Creek built?

It was built in 1916, making it 109 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR 173 over Joe 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does TR 173 over Joe Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is TR 173 over Joe Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns TR 173 over Joe Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.