US Bridges

I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Sangamon County, Illinois · 1.2M E Wabash Intchg · Structure no. 084012700000000

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
224 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR in Sangamon County, Illinois. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 56 years old, older 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 10,150 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,201 by 2046. The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-72 / US 36 (eb)
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location1.2M E Wabash Intchg
RouteInterstate 72
CountySangamon County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.75063, -89.7321
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length224 ft (68.3 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,150 (2023)
Projected traffic10,201 by 2046
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 10,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-72 / US 36 (eb) over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.