US Bridges

Foster Ave over N Shore Channel

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.7 M W US 41 · Structure no. 016025100000000

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
148 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Foster Ave over N Shore Channel is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Foster Ave over N Shore Channel in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 90 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 6 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 19,100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,101 by 2046. The structure is 148 ft (45 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFoster Ave
CrossesN Shore Channel
Location0.7 M W US 41
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.97578, -87.70486
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length148 ft (45 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,100 (2023)
Projected traffic19,101 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$911,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Foster Ave over N Shore Channel built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Foster Ave over N Shore Channel 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Foster Ave over N Shore Channel carry?

About 19,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Foster Ave over N Shore Channel?

The structure is 148 ft (45 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Foster Ave over N Shore Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.