US Bridges

I 57 SB over Cache River

Fair

Union County, Illinois · 2.1 MI N Ill 146 · Structure no. 091001400000000

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
192 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,750
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 57 SB over Cache River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 57 SB over Cache River in Union County, Illinois. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 66 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 5 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 5,750 vehicles a day, roughly 50% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,525 by 2046. The structure is 192 ft (58.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 57 SB
CrossesCache River
Location2.1 MI N Ill 146
RouteInterstate 57
CountyUnion County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.47589, -89.12746
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length192 ft (58.4 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,750 (2024)
Projected traffic7,525 by 2046
Trucks50%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 57 SB over Cache River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is I 57 SB over Cache 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 I 57 SB over Cache River carry?

About 5,750 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 50% are trucks.

How long is I 57 SB over Cache River?

The structure is 192 ft (58.4 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns I 57 SB over Cache River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.