US Bridges

James Road over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Whiteside County, Illinois · 9 MI N of Sterling · Structure no. 098472200000000

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2021 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

James Road over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying James Road over Buffalo Creek in Whiteside County, Illinois. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2046. The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames Road
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location9 MI N of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWhiteside County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.92812, -89.63354
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.3 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2021)
Projected traffic51 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 James Road over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is James Road over Buffalo 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does James Road over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is James Road over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns James Road over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.