US Bridges

Howard ST over N Shore Channel

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2.7 M E I-94 · Structure no. 016071900000000

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howard ST over N Shore Channel is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Howard ST over N Shore Channel in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 74 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,342 by 2046. The structure is 225 ft (68.7 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesHoward ST
CrossesN Shore Channel
Location2.7 M E I-94
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.01913, -87.71052
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length225 ft (68.7 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2022)
Projected traffic14,342 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Howard ST over N Shore Channel built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Howard ST over N Shore Channel 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 2024.

How much traffic does Howard ST over N Shore Channel carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Howard ST over N Shore Channel?

The structure is 225 ft (68.7 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Howard ST over N Shore Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.