US Bridges

Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 0.1 M N I55 · Structure no. 016031500000000

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
456 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 94 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 35,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,079 by 2046. The structure is 456 ft (139.1 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesHarlem Ave NB Ill
CrossesSan & Ship Canal
Location0.1 M N I55
RouteState Highway 43
Coordinates41.80138, -87.80218
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length456 ft (139.1 m)
Longest span224 ft (68.3 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.2 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,500 (2023)
Projected traffic18,079 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal carry?

About 35,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal?

The structure is 456 ft (139.1 m) long with a longest span of 224 ft (68.3 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns Harlem Ave NB Ill over San & Ship Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.