US Bridges

TR 34 over Tar Creek

Fair

Menard County, Illinois · 1.5 MI NE Oakford · Structure no. 065303800000000

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

TR 34 over Tar Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying TR 34 over Tar Creek in Menard County, Illinois. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 25 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 25 by 2046. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTR 34
CrossesTar Creek
Location1.5 MI NE Oakford
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMenard County
StateIllinois
Coordinates40.11352, -89.93947
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic25 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 TR 34 over Tar Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is TR 34 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does TR 34 over Tar Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is TR 34 over Tar Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns TR 34 over Tar Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.