US Bridges

Ill 251 over Soo Rr.

Fair

Ogle County, Illinois · 0.1 MI S JCT ILL72 · Structure no. 071000100000000

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
237 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 251 over Soo Rr. is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 251 over Soo Rr. in Ogle County, Illinois. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 88 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 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,952 by 2046. The structure is 237 ft (72.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 251
CrossesSoo Rr.
Location0.1 MI S JCT ILL72
RouteState Highway 251
CountyOgle County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.09992, -89.07614
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length237 ft (72.1 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2023)
Projected traffic3,952 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 251 over Soo Rr. built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Ill 251 over Soo Rr. 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ill 251 over Soo Rr. carry?

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Ill 251 over Soo Rr.?

The structure is 237 ft (72.1 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 251 over Soo Rr.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.