US Bridges

Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51

Fair

Ogle County, Illinois · 2 MI E of Rochelle · Structure no. 071005800000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
260 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51 in Ogle County, Illinois. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 8,550 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,840 by 2046. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 38
CrossesI-39 & US 51
Location2 MI E of Rochelle
RouteState Highway 38
CountyOgle County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.93451, -89.02392
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
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.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.2 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,550 (2023)
Projected traffic8,840 by 2046
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51 built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51 carry?

About 8,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.2 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 38 over I-39 & US 51?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.