US Bridges

Ill 73 over Yellow Creek

Good

Stephenson County, Illinois · 3.2 MI South of US20 · Structure no. 089005300000000

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 73 over Yellow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 73 over Yellow Creek in Stephenson 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,323 by 2046. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 73
CrossesYellow Creek
Location3.2 MI South of US20
RouteState Highway 73
CountyStephenson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.31213, -89.82725
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2023)
Projected traffic2,323 by 2046
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 Ill 73 over Yellow Creek built?

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

What condition is Ill 73 over Yellow Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 73 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Ill 73 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 73 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.