US Bridges

I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek

Fair

Scott County, Illinois · 2.6M E Il 100 Intchg · Structure no. 086003100000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
374 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,825
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek in Scott County, Illinois. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 6 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 4,825 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,444 by 2046. The structure is 374 ft (114.1 m) long and 42 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)
CrossesPlum Creek
Location2.6M E Il 100 Intchg
RouteInterstate 72
CountyScott County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.68118, -90.52052
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length374 ft (114.1 m)
Longest span144 ft (44 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,825 (2023)
Projected traffic4,444 by 2046
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek carry?

About 4,825 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek?

The structure is 374 ft (114.1 m) long with a longest span of 144 ft (44 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-72/US 36(EB) over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.