US Bridges

Il 73 over Yellow Creek

Fair

Stephenson County, Illinois · 0.5 MI N Pearl City · Structure no. 089006900000000

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,350
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 73 over Yellow Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 73 over Yellow Creek in Stephenson County, Illinois. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 2,350 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,576 by 2046. The structure is 135 ft (41 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 73
CrossesYellow Creek
Location0.5 MI N Pearl City
RouteState Highway 73
CountyStephenson County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.28217, -89.82657
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.2 US tons
Inventory rating58.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length135 ft (41 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,350 (2023)
Projected traffic2,576 by 2046
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 Il 73 over Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 73 over Yellow 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 November 2021.

How much traffic does Il 73 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 2,350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Il 73 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Il 73 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.