US Bridges

US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.9 M E Il 1 · Structure no. 016038600000000

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch is a concrete slab carrying US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 30,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,967 by 2046. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6 (159th St)
CrossesCal Union Ditch
Location0.9 M E Il 1
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.6009, -87.61837
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,700 (2023)
Projected traffic26,967 by 2046
Trucks5%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch carry?

About 30,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 (159th St) over Cal Union Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.