US Bridges

Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk

Fair

Monroe County, Illinois · 3 M S Hecker · Structure no. 067000700000000

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
102 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk in Monroe County, Illinois. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 97 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,351 by 2046. The structure is 102 ft (31.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 159
CrossesPrairie Du Long Crk
Location3 M S Hecker
RouteState Highway 159
CountyMonroe County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.25981, -89.99631
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2023)
Projected traffic4,351 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$528,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk 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 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk?

The structure is 102 ft (31.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 159 over Prairie Du Long Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.