US Bridges

Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1 M S 127th ST · Structure no. 016029400000000

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
378 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel is a steel truss - thru carrying Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1998, 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 17,700 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,089 by 2046. The structure is 378 ft (115.3 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAshland Ave
CrossesCal Sag Channel
Location1 M S 127th ST
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.6554, -87.66062
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length378 ft (115.3 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,700 (2023)
Projected traffic19,089 by 2046
Trucks4%
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$2.5 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Ashland Ave over Cal Sag 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel carry?

About 17,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel?

The structure is 378 ft (115.3 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Ashland Ave over Cal Sag Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.