US Bridges

Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek

Fair

Winnebago County, Illinois · 2.0 MI N Ill 173 · Structure no. 101017500000000

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
88 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek in Winnebago County, Illinois. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 24,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,817 by 2046. The structure is 88 ft (26.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 251 SB
CrossesMcdonald Creek
Location2.0 MI N Ill 173
RouteState Highway 251
CountyWinnebago County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.39019, -89.01717
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating85.8 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length88 ft (26.7 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,200 (2023)
Projected traffic11,817 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek carry?

About 24,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.7 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ill 251 SB over Mcdonald Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.