US Bridges

Penrose RD over Skunk Creek

Fair

Whiteside County, Illinois · 6 Mi. N. of Sterling · Structure no. 098472100000000

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Penrose RD over Skunk Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Penrose RD over Skunk Creek in Whiteside County, Illinois. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 126 by 2046. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPenrose RD
CrossesSkunk Creek
Location6 Mi. N. of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWhiteside County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88747, -89.70481
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
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 rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2021)
Projected traffic126 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Penrose RD over Skunk Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Penrose RD over Skunk 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Penrose RD over Skunk Creek carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Penrose RD over Skunk Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Penrose RD over Skunk Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.