US Bridges

Ill 97 over Tar Creek

Fair

Menard County, Illinois · .5 MI N Oakford · Structure no. 065000400000000

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
147 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,750
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 97 over Tar Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 97 over Tar Creek in Menard County, Illinois. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 87 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 6 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 1,750 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,818 by 2046. The structure is 147 ft (44.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 97
CrossesTar Creek
Location.5 MI N Oakford
RouteState Highway 97
CountyMenard County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.11314, -89.96962
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length147 ft (44.7 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,750 (2023)
Projected traffic1,818 by 2046
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 Ill 97 over Tar Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Ill 97 over Tar 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 97 over Tar Creek carry?

About 1,750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Ill 97 over Tar Creek?

The structure is 147 ft (44.7 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 97 over Tar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.