US Bridges

Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · .65 M NW Il 59 · Structure no. 016050200000000

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
157 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 87 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 21,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,595 by 2046. The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long and 45 ft wide.

CarriesIl 72 WB (higgins
CrossesRR - Wi Central Ltd
Location.65 M NW Il 59
RouteState Highway 72
Coordinates42.07764, -88.20119
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
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.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length157 ft (47.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,900 (2023)
Projected traffic9,595 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd carry?

About 21,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd?

The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Il 72 WB (higgins over RR - Wi Central Ltd?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.