US Bridges

US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek

Good

Marion County, Illinois · 5.8 MI S Fayette C L · Structure no. 061200200000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,250
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek in Marion County, Illinois. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,250 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,374 by 2046. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 51 (fap 322)
CrossesLouse Creek
Location5.8 MI S Fayette C L
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyMarion County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.74059, -89.09555
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,250 (2023)
Projected traffic2,374 by 2046
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek carry?

About 2,250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 51 (fap 322) over Louse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.