US Bridges

US 50 over Prairie Creek

Good

Marion County, Illinois · 2 MI E US-51 · Structure no. 061202200000000

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,050
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 50 over Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 50 over Prairie Creek in Marion County, Illinois. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,050 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,808 by 2046. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

CarriesUS 50
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location2 MI E US-51
RouteU.S. Route 50
Coordinates38.6198, -89.07952
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.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,050 (2023)
Projected traffic5,808 by 2046
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 50 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 50 over Prairie 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 50 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 6,050 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 50 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m).

Who owns US 50 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.