US Bridges

US 20 Br over Small Creek

Fair

Stephenson County, Illinois · 1.5 MI E Freeport · Structure no. 089000900000000

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 Br over Small Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 20 Br over Small Creek in Stephenson County, Illinois. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 69 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 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 7,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,373 by 2046. The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 20 Br
CrossesSmall Creek
Location1.5 MI E Freeport
RouteU.S. Route 20
Coordinates42.27683, -89.56877
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length41 ft (12.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.7 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,000 (2023)
Projected traffic7,373 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 20 Br over Small Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 20 Br over Small 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 20 Br over Small Creek carry?

About 7,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 20 Br over Small Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 Br over Small Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.