US Bridges

Ill 161 over Ash Creek

Good

St. Clair County, Illinois · 2.7MI W Ill 4 · Structure no. 082200300000000

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 161 over Ash Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Ill 161 over Ash Creek in St. Clair County, Illinois. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 5,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,454 by 2046. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesIll 161
CrossesAsh Creek
Location2.7MI W Ill 4
RouteState Highway 161
Coordinates38.52607, -89.85512
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.1 US tons
Inventory rating54.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,900 (2023)
Projected traffic5,454 by 2046
Trucks8%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ill 161 over Ash Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 161 over Ash 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 161 over Ash Creek carry?

About 5,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ill 161 over Ash Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns Ill 161 over Ash Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.