US Bridges

Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Ogle County, Illinois · JCT Ill 26 & US 52 · Structure no. 071006900000000

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,350
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek in Ogle County, Illinois. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 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 1,350 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,404 by 2046. The structure is 87 ft (26.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 26
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationJCT Ill 26 & US 52
RouteState Highway 26
CountyOgle County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.00359, -89.58812
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length87 ft (26.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,350 (2021)
Projected traffic1,404 by 2046
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 26 over Buffalo 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,350 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 87 ft (26.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 26 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.