US Bridges

Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.5 M E Il 43 · Structure no. 016055500000000

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
87 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 97 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 27,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,331 by 2046. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOakton ST
CrossesN Br Chicago River
Location0.5 M E Il 43
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.02643, -87.79201
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,300 (2022)
Projected traffic23,331 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$647,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River carry?

About 27,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns Oakton ST over N Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.