US Bridges

FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River

Fair

Monroe County, Illinois · 3.0MI W of Columbia · Structure no. 067001900000000

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
4,003 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,850
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River is a steel arch - thru carrying FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River in Monroe County, Illinois. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 25,850 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,866 by 2046. The structure is 4,003 ft (1,220.1 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAI 255 EB
CrossesMississippi River
Location3.0MI W of Columbia
RouteInterstate 255
CountyMonroe County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.48624, -90.27461
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+14 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length4,003 ft (1,220.1 m)
Longest span910 ft (277.4 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,850 (2023)
Projected traffic31,866 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAI 255 EB over Mississippi 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River carry?

About 25,850 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River?

The structure is 4,003 ft (1,220.1 m) long with a longest span of 910 ft (277.4 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns FAI 255 EB over Mississippi River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.