US Bridges

Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 4.0 MI N of Ill 102 · Structure no. 099009000000000

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
110 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,250
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 83 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 5,250 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,212 by 2046. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 53 NB
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location4.0 MI N of Ill 102
RouteState Highway 53
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.35466, -88.13387
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating77.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,250 (2023)
Projected traffic4,212 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$708,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is Il 53 NB over Prairie 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek carry?

About 5,250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Il 53 NB over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.