FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4

Carrying MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 over COAL CREEK

SW-7-T8NR4E, Fulton, Illinois

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Poor
19 t Inventory load rating

Bridge Snapshot: MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4

The MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 bridge in Fulton, Illinois carries MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 over COAL CREEK. It was built in 1938, making it 88 years old today. The structure is built primarily of concrete and spans 2 sections, stretching 9.1 meters (30 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 50 vehicles, placing it in the lower-traffic tier of Illinois bridges. It is owned and maintained by Town/Township Highway Agency, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show culvert at 4/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in poor condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. Because at least one major component scores 4 or lower, the FHWA classifies this bridge as structurally deficient — a maintenance flag, not a closure order. Its NBI inventory load rating is 19.4 metric tons — the load level the structure is rated to carry at inventory (long-term) level.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 is one data point in a Illinois inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 88-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 compares

▼ 15.2
Load rating vs Illinois average (34.6 t)
Bottom 4%
Lower load rating than 96% of Illinois bridges
210
Bridges in Fulton · 44 structurally deficient
MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 19.4 t
Illinois average 34.6 t

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across Illinois, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Culvert
4/9
Poor (1–4)
Inventory Load Rating
19.4 t
NBI inventory level (metric tons)
SD Status
Structurally Deficient

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
1938
Material
Concrete
Number of Spans
2
Structure Length
9.1 m (30 ft)
Owner
Town/Township Highway Agency
Avg Daily Traffic
50 vehicles/day
Structure Number
029501900000000

Location

SW-7-T8NR4E, Fulton, Illinois
40.689203, -90.101042
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 in Fulton, Illinois.

How often is MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 50 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 is currently classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 has an inventory load rating of 19.4 metric tons. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 is maintained by Town/Township Highway Agency. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 and does age affect safety?

MIDDLE GRVE RD-TR4 was built in 1938, making it 88 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial