US Bridges

US 45 over Ohio River

FairPosted for load

Massac County, Illinois · Brookport · Structure no. 064990100000000

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
5,387 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
4,450
2023 count
Owner
Private
Private (other than railroad)

About this bridge

US 45 over Ohio River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 45 over Ohio River in Massac County, Illinois. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,450 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,212 by 2046. The structure is 5,387 ft (1,642 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesOhio River
LocationBrookport
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMassac County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.12245, -88.62686
Functional classUrban 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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans10 (+18 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length5,387 ft (1,642 m)
Longest span711 ft (216.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,450 (2023)
Projected traffic6,212 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerPrivate (other than railroad)
Maintained byPrivate (other than railroad)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$21.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 45 over Ohio River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 45 over Ohio River carry?

About 4,450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Ohio River?

The structure is 5,387 ft (1,642 m) long with a longest span of 711 ft (216.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the Private (other than railroad).