US Bridges

Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek

Fair

Winnebago County, Illinois · 0.25 S JCT Ill 173 · Structure no. 101200400000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek in Winnebago County, Illinois. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 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 17,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,079 by 2046. The structure is 49 ft (15 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIll 251 & W. FR RD
CrossesN.Brnch Willow Creek
Location0.25 S JCT Ill 173
RouteState Highway 251
CountyWinnebago County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.36429, -89.03672
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length49 ft (15 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,300 (2023)
Projected traffic18,079 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek carry?

About 17,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (15 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns Ill 251 & W. FR RD over N.Brnch Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.