US Bridges

US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Illinois · 3 MI S Christian Lin · Structure no. 087002500000000

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek in Shelby County, Illinois. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 3,150 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,384 by 2046. The structure is 125 ft (38 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 51 (fap 322)
CrossesOpossum Creek
Location3 MI S Christian Lin
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.30375, -89.08574
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,150 (2023)
Projected traffic3,384 by 2046
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 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 US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek carry?

About 3,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 51 (fap 322) over Opossum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.