US Bridges

US 45 over Bear Creek

Good

White County, Illinois · 2 MI S Il 1/US 45 · Structure no. 097008200000000

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
144 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 45 over Bear Creek in White County, Illinois. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 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 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,626 by 2046. The structure is 144 ft (43.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesBear Creek
Location2 MI S Il 1/US 45
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyWhite County
StateIllinois
Coordinates37.94228, -88.34246
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable 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 rating70.3 US tons
Inventory rating54.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length144 ft (43.8 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2024)
Projected traffic2,626 by 2046
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 45 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 45 over Bear 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 45 over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 144 ft (43.8 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.