US Bridges

I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.9 M SW Ill 43 · Structure no. 016001500000000

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
699 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
70,750
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2000, 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 5 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 70,750 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,812 by 2046. The structure is 699 ft (213.1 m) long and 75 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI- 55 WB Stevenson
CrossesSan & Ship Canal
Location0.9 M SW Ill 43
RouteInterstate 55
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.79643, -87.81294
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length699 ft (213.1 m)
Longest span240 ft (73.3 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.9 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,750 (2024)
Projected traffic66,812 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$5.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal carry?

About 70,750 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal?

The structure is 699 ft (213.1 m) long with a longest span of 240 ft (73.3 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns I- 55 WB Stevenson over San & Ship Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.