US Bridges

Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

Whiteside County, Illinois · 1 MI NW of Sterling · Structure no. 098302600000000

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
230 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek in Whiteside County, Illinois. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 67 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,323 by 2046. The structure is 230 ft (70 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesScience Ridge Road
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location1 MI NW of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWhiteside County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.82311, -89.72018
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length230 ft (70 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2021)
Projected traffic2,323 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is Science Ridge Road 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 230 ft (70 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Science Ridge Road over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.