US Bridges

Ill 251 & FR Rds over Willow Creek

Fair

Winnebago County, Illinois · 1 MI S JCT Ill 173 · Structure no. 101200500000000

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

About this bridge

Ill 251 & FR Rds over Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Ill 251 & FR Rds over 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 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 17,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,079 by 2046. The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIll 251 & FR Rds
CrossesWillow Creek
Location1 MI S JCT Ill 173
RouteState Highway 251
CountyWinnebago County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.35533, -89.04435
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 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 structure8
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 & FR Rds over Willow Creek built?

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

What condition is Ill 251 & FR Rds over 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 & FR Rds over Willow Creek carry?

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

How long is Ill 251 & FR Rds over Willow Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns Ill 251 & FR Rds over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.