US Bridges

Sth 16 over Big Creek

Fair

La Crosse County, Wisconsin · 0.2M E JCT Cth J · Structure no. B32055500000000

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
155 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sth 16 over Big Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sth 16 over Big Creek in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 84 years old, older than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 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 4,200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,210 by 2042. The structure is 155 ft (47.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23.6 mi (38 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSth 16
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.2M E JCT Cth J
RouteState Highway 16
CountyLa Crosse County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates43.92591, -90.91557
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length155 ft (47.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,200 (2021)
Projected traffic5,210 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23.6 mi (38 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Sth 16 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is Sth 16 over Big 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 Sth 16 over Big Creek carry?

About 4,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Sth 16 over Big Creek?

The structure is 155 ft (47.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Sth 16 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.