US Bridges

Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.3 M E I-294 · Structure no. 016082900000000

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
187 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
27,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 70 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 27,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,361 by 2046. The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesTouhy Ave
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location0.3 M E I-294
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.01029, -87.86184
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length187 ft (57 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,600 (2023)
Projected traffic26,361 by 2046
Trucks5%
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$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Touhy Ave 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River carry?

About 27,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Touhy Ave over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.