US Bridges

Ill 159 over First Black Creek

Fair

Randolph County, Illinois · 0.5 M N Red Bud · Structure no. 079000900000000

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 159 over First Black Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ill 159 over First Black Creek in Randolph County, Illinois. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 97 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,040 by 2046. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 159
CrossesFirst Black Creek
Location0.5 M N Red Bud
RouteState Highway 159
CountyRandolph County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.22182, -89.99254
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2023)
Projected traffic4,040 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 159 over First Black Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is Ill 159 over First Black 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 159 over First Black Creek carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Ill 159 over First Black Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 159 over First Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.