US Bridges

I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR

Poor

Sangamon County, Illinois · Sherman Interchange · Structure no. 084002000000000

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
361 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR in Sangamon County, Illinois. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 63 years old, older 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 14,600 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,787 by 2046. The structure is 361 ft (110.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-55 (nb)
CrossesBl 55 & UP RR
LocationSherman Interchange
RouteInterstate 55
CountySangamon County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.90281, -89.59434
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating59.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length361 ft (110.1 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,600 (2023)
Projected traffic13,787 by 2046
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway and railroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR carry?

About 14,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR?

The structure is 361 ft (110.1 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I-55 (nb) over Bl 55 & UP RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.