A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
A bridge walked into a bar. The bartender said, 'Why the long span?'
Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
over FAI 55/70/US 40
1.86 MI W OF IL 157
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
Loading 3D model...
This bridge has a Poor overall condition rating of 4 out of 9. This bridge is classified as being in poor condition, meaning one or more structural components have significant deterioration. Poor condition does not mean the bridge is unsafe to drive on, but it does mean repairs or replacement may be needed.
The bridge carries 1,050 vehicles per day and is 66 years old (reconstructed in 1984).
Its sufficiency rating of 47.9 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 15 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 266 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
A cable-stayed bridge with an open design and panoramic views.
About 15 feet above ground — standard overpass height.
About 1,050 vehicles cross daily — light traffic, a smooth crossing.
The deck is 30 feet wide with 1-2 lanes — a narrower crossing.
This bridge crosses over land, not water — no water views below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1960
66 years old (rebuilt 1984)
Structure Type
Concrete (Continuous) Cable-Stayed
Total Length
266 ft
81.1 m
Deck Width
30 ft
9.1 m
Spans
2
sections between supports
Max Span
78 ft
longest unsupported section (23.8 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
15 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
1,050vehicles/day
38.66953°N, 90.04202°W
Concrete (Continuous) Cable-Stayed
A concrete slab bridge is a simple, solid concrete deck that acts as both the structural support and driving surface. Common for short spans, they are durable and low-maintenance.
Learn more about this bridge typeNo ratings yet. Be the first to rate this bridge!
Sign in and track Illinois to receive alerts when new inspection data is published. Premium members get bridge-specific notifications.
Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.