US Bridges

Willow RD over RR - Metra

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1 M W Il 43 · Structure no. 016053300000000

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
291 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
31,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Willow RD over RR - Metra is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Willow RD over RR - Metra in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 83 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 31,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,956 by 2046. The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWillow RD
CrossesRR - Metra
Location1 M W Il 43
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.10549, -87.81968
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length291 ft (88.7 m)
Longest span112 ft (34 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,700 (2023)
Projected traffic35,956 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Willow RD over RR - Metra built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Willow RD over RR - Metra 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 2024.

How much traffic does Willow RD over RR - Metra carry?

About 31,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Willow RD over RR - Metra?

The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Willow RD over RR - Metra?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.