US Bridges

US 45 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 5.6 M S of US 30 · Structure no. 099011900000000

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2021
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 45 over Prairie Creek in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 47 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 5,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,000 by 2046. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location5.6 M S of US 30
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.43063, -87.8836
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,900 (2023)
Projected traffic9,000 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 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 US 45 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is US 45 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 August 2021.

How much traffic does US 45 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 5,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.