US Bridges

Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.1 M W Pulaski RD · Structure no. 016024800000000

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
168 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 92 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 23,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,826 by 2046. The structure is 168 ft (51.1 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFoster Ave
CrossesN Br Chi Riv West
Location0.1 M W Pulaski RD
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.97552, -87.73072
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length168 ft (51.1 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width46 ft (13.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,800 (2023)
Projected traffic22,826 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$972,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West carry?

About 23,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West?

The structure is 168 ft (51.1 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Foster Ave over N Br Chi Riv West?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.