US Bridges

I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

Whiteside County, Illinois · 5.10 MI W Il 40 · Structure no. 098007600000000

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
271 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek in Whiteside County, Illinois. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,858 by 2046. The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-88 WB
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location5.10 MI W Il 40
RouteInterstate 88
CountyWhiteside County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.75972, -89.78427
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating103.2 US tons
Inventory rating55.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length271 ft (82.6 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2023)
Projected traffic5,858 by 2046
Trucks35%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-88 WB over Elkhorn 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-88 WB over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.