US Bridges

Athens Rd. over Sangamon River

Fair

Menard County, Illinois · JCT IL97 & Athens RD · Structure no. 065001900000000

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,117 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Athens Rd. over Sangamon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Athens Rd. over Sangamon River in Menard County, Illinois. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,869 by 2046. The structure is 1,117 ft (340.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesAthens Rd.
CrossesSangamon River
LocationJCT IL97 & Athens RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMenard County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.9828, -89.83813
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,117 ft (340.5 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2023)
Projected traffic1,869 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Athens Rd. over Sangamon River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Athens Rd. over Sangamon 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Athens Rd. over Sangamon River carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Athens Rd. over Sangamon River?

The structure is 1,117 ft (340.5 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Athens Rd. over Sangamon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.