US Bridges

FAI 255 over Ill 163

Poor

St. Clair County, Illinois · 1/4 MI S of Il 15 · Structure no. 082023000000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
127 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
41,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAI 255 over Ill 163 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAI 255 over Ill 163 in St. Clair County, Illinois. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 41,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,450 by 2046. The structure is 127 ft (38.6 m) long and 121 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAI 255
CrossesIll 163
Location1/4 MI S of Il 15
RouteInterstate 255
CountySt. Clair County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.58065, -90.1102
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating100.3 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length127 ft (38.6 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width121 ft (36.9 m)
Roadway width118 ft (35.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,500 (2023)
Projected traffic45,450 by 2046
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 FAI 255 over Ill 163 built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAI 255 over Ill 163 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does FAI 255 over Ill 163 carry?

About 41,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FAI 255 over Ill 163?

The structure is 127 ft (38.6 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 121 ft wide.

Who owns FAI 255 over Ill 163?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.