US Bridges

Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.6 M SE I-294 · Structure no. 016066500000000

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
199 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 96 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 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,776 by 2046. The structure is 199 ft (60.8 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 72 (higgins RD
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location0.6 M SE I-294
RouteState Highway 72
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.9892, -87.85625
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length199 ft (60.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2023)
Projected traffic17,776 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Il 72 (higgins RD 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 199 ft (60.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns Il 72 (higgins RD over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.