US Bridges

Ill 159 over Richland Creek

Good

St. Clair County, Illinois · In Belleville · Structure no. 082026500000000

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 159 over Richland Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ill 159 over Richland Creek in St. Clair County, Illinois. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 102 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 11,400 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,312 by 2046. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 159
CrossesRichland Creek
LocationIn Belleville
RouteState Highway 159
CountySt. Clair County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.52171, -89.98422
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,400 (2023)
Projected traffic11,312 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 159 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Ill 159 over Richland Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 159 over Richland Creek carry?

About 11,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Ill 159 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 159 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.