US Bridges

TR 251 over Sugar Creek

Fair

Macoupin County, Illinois · 3 MI E Carlinville · Structure no. 059314100000000

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 251 over Sugar Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying TR 251 over Sugar Creek in Macoupin County, Illinois. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 125 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 51 by 2046. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 251
CrossesSugar Creek
Location3 MI E Carlinville
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMacoupin County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.26337, -89.80989
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic51 by 2046
Trucks26%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$57,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was TR 251 over Sugar Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is TR 251 over Sugar 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does TR 251 over Sugar Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is TR 251 over Sugar Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns TR 251 over Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.