US Bridges

Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2.9 M W US 45 · Structure no. 016097400000000

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
31,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 31,500 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,482 by 2046. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIl 72 & UP RR
CrossesHiggins Creek
Location2.9 M W US 45
RouteState Highway 72
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.00829, -87.92496
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,500 (2023)
Projected traffic28,482 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek carry?

About 31,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns Il 72 & UP RR over Higgins Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.