US Bridges

Ashland Ave over Little Cal River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.5 N 138th ST · Structure no. 016029500000000

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
290 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
17,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ashland Ave over Little Cal River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ashland Ave over Little Cal River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 95 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 290 ft (88.4 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesAshland Ave
CrossesLittle Cal River
Location0.5 N 138th ST
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.65196, -87.66049
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length290 ft (88.4 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.3 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ashland Ave over Little Cal River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Ashland Ave over Little Cal River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Ashland Ave over Little Cal River carry?

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

How long is Ashland Ave over Little Cal River?

The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Ashland Ave over Little Cal River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.