US Bridges

FAS-797 over Deer Creek

Poor

Wayne County, Illinois · 6.3 MI N Fairfield · Structure no. 096330200000000

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS-797 over Deer Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying FAS-797 over Deer Creek in Wayne County, Illinois. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,428 by 2046. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS-797
CrossesDeer Creek
Location6.3 MI N Fairfield
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWayne County
StateIllinois
Coordinates38.47685, -88.3487
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2022)
Projected traffic1,428 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 FAS-797 over Deer Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS-797 over Deer Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does FAS-797 over Deer Creek carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAS-797 over Deer Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAS-797 over Deer Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.