US Bridges

Forest Ave over Des Plaines River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.2 M E 1st · Structure no. 016087400000000

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
222 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest Ave over Des Plaines River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forest Ave over Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 92 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 5,250 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,454 by 2046. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest Ave
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location0.2 M E 1st
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.82811, -87.82629
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,250 (2022)
Projected traffic5,454 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Ave over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Forest 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 August 2023.

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

About 5,250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Forest Ave over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Ave over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.