US Bridges

Lake ST over Des Plaines River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1.5 M W Il 43 · Structure no. 016059700000000

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lake ST over Des Plaines River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Lake ST over Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 9,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,130 by 2046. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLake ST
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location1.5 M W Il 43
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88847, -87.83294
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,700 (2023)
Projected traffic13,130 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lake ST over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lake ST over Des Plaines 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 2023.

How much traffic does Lake ST over Des Plaines River carry?

About 9,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Lake ST over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Lake ST over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.