US Bridges

Grand Ave over Des Plaines River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2 M W Il 43 · Structure no. 016085500000000

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Grand Ave over Des Plaines River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Grand Ave over Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 103 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 16,500 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,917 by 2046. The structure is 159 ft (48.4 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGrand Ave
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location2 M W Il 43
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.9297, -87.84534
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length159 ft (48.4 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,500 (2023)
Projected traffic21,917 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Grand Ave over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Grand 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 September 2024.

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

About 16,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Grand Ave over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 159 ft (48.4 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Grand Ave over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.