US Bridges

Il 72 over Leaf River

Fair

Ogle County, Illinois · .5 MI E Leaf River · Structure no. 071007300000000

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
240 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 72 over Leaf River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 72 over Leaf River in Ogle County, Illinois. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,976 by 2046. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

CarriesIl 72
CrossesLeaf River
Location.5 MI E Leaf River
RouteState Highway 72
Coordinates42.12711, -89.39225
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 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 rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2023)
Projected traffic1,976 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 Il 72 over Leaf River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 72 over Leaf 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Il 72 over Leaf River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Il 72 over Leaf River?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Il 72 over Leaf River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.