US Bridges

Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk

Fair

St. Clair County, Illinois · 2 M S Smithton · Structure no. 082007200000000

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk in St. Clair County, Illinois. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,596 by 2046. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 159
CrossesW Fork Richland Crk
Location2 M S Smithton
RouteState Highway 159
CountySt. Clair County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.37142, -89.99515
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2023)
Projected traffic4,596 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$565,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk 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 W Fork Richland Crk carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 159 over W Fork Richland Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.