US Bridges

Il 53 over Forked Creek

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 0.6 M E of Il 102 · Structure no. 099009100000000

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
96 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 53 over Forked Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 53 over Forked Creek in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 103 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 7,950 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,600 by 2046. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 53
CrossesForked Creek
Location0.6 M E of Il 102
RouteState Highway 53
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.31079, -88.13711
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,950 (2023)
Projected traffic12,600 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Il 53 over Forked Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Il 53 over Forked 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Il 53 over Forked Creek carry?

About 7,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Il 53 over Forked Creek?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Il 53 over Forked Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.