US Bridges

US 20 EB over Pecatonica River

Fair

Stephenson County, Illinois · NE of Freeport · Structure no. 089004200000000

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
943 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 20 EB over Pecatonica River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 20 EB over Pecatonica River in Stephenson County, Illinois. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,990 by 2046. The structure is 943 ft (287.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 20 EB
CrossesPecatonica River
LocationNE of Freeport
RouteU.S. Route 20
CountyStephenson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.30358, -89.55743
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable 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 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length943 ft (287.4 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2023)
Projected traffic3,990 by 2046
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 20 EB over Pecatonica River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 20 EB over Pecatonica River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 20 EB over Pecatonica River carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 20 EB over Pecatonica River?

The structure is 943 ft (287.4 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 20 EB over Pecatonica River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.