US Bridges

Ush 51 over Rock River

FairPosted for load

Rock County, Wisconsin · 0.9M N JCT Cth M to W · Structure no. B53014500000000

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
674 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ush 51 over Rock River is a steel truss - deck carrying Ush 51 over Rock River in Rock County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 87 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,800 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,200 by 2043. The structure is 674 ft (205.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUsh 51
CrossesRock River
Location0.9M N JCT Cth M to W
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyRock County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates42.81557, -89.07232
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating39.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length674 ft (205.3 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,800 (2022)
Projected traffic6,200 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Ush 51 over Rock River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is Ush 51 over Rock River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ush 51 over Rock River carry?

About 5,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ush 51 over Rock River?

The structure is 674 ft (205.3 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Ush 51 over Rock River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.