US Bridges

I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River

Fair

Pulaski County, Illinois · 3.8 MI S Union CO · Structure no. 077000600000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
182 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River in Pulaski County, Illinois. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 53% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,828 by 2046. The structure is 182 ft (55.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 57 NB & US 51 NB
CrossesCache River
Location3.8 MI S Union CO
RouteInterstate 57
CountyPulaski County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.27946, -89.15711
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length182 ft (55.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2024)
Projected traffic7,828 by 2046
Trucks53%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 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 I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache 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 2023.

How much traffic does I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 53% are trucks.

How long is I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River?

The structure is 182 ft (55.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I 57 NB & US 51 NB over Cache River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.