US Bridges

Ch 5 over Cache River

Fair

Union County, Illinois · .8M.W.SARATOGA Cl · Structure no. 091303300000000

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
225
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ch 5 over Cache River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ch 5 over Cache River in Union County, Illinois. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 225 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 227 by 2046. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCh 5
CrossesCache River
Location.8M.W.SARATOGA Cl
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUnion County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.50471, -89.17069
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2020)
Projected traffic227 by 2046
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ch 5 over Cache River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ch 5 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Ch 5 over Cache River carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Ch 5 over Cache River?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ch 5 over Cache River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.