US Bridges

Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

Whiteside County, Illinois · East Edge of Emerson · Structure no. 098305700000000

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
252 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,150
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek in Whiteside County, Illinois. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 4,150 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,192 by 2046. The structure is 252 ft (76.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesEmerson Road
CrossesElkhorn Creek
LocationEast Edge of Emerson
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWhiteside County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.80476, -89.7644
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length252 ft (76.7 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,150 (2021)
Projected traffic4,192 by 2046
Trucks13%
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 Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Emerson 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 4,150 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 252 ft (76.7 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Emerson Road over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.