US Bridges

Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.2 M N Il 83 · Structure no. 016032300000000

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
427 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel is a steel truss - thru carrying Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 61 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 34,900 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,108 by 2046. The structure is 427 ft (130.1 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 43 (harlem Ave
CrossesCal Sag Channel
Location0.2 M N Il 83
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.67824, -87.797
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length427 ft (130.1 m)
Longest span298 ft (90.8 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,900 (2023)
Projected traffic31,108 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Il 43 (harlem 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 2024.

How much traffic does Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel carry?

About 34,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel?

The structure is 427 ft (130.1 m) long with a longest span of 298 ft (90.8 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns Il 43 (harlem Ave over Cal Sag Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.