US Bridges

I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch

Fair

St. Clair County, Illinois · 0.50 MI S Doris Ave · Structure no. 082026300000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
833 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch 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 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 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,828 by 2046. The structure is 833 ft (253.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-255 Ramp E
CrossesBlue Waters Ditch
Location0.50 MI S Doris Ave
CountySt. Clair County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.54901, -90.16134
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length833 ft (253.9 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2024)
Projected traffic2,828 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch built?

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

What condition is I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch?

The structure is 833 ft (253.9 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns I-255 Ramp E over Blue Waters Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.