US Bridges

US 45 over Q Ditch

Fair

Massac County, Illinois · 3 MI S of Mermet · Structure no. 064000300000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Q Ditch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 45 over Q Ditch in Massac 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 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 1,950 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,323 by 2046. The structure is 119 ft (36.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesQ Ditch
Location3 MI S of Mermet
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMassac County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.23492, -88.81246
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length119 ft (36.4 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,950 (2023)
Projected traffic2,323 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Q Ditch built?

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

What condition is US 45 over Q Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 45 over Q Ditch carry?

About 1,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Q Ditch?

The structure is 119 ft (36.4 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Q Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.