US Bridges

US 6 (159th St) over I- 57

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 1.6 M SW I-294 · Structure no. 016101300000000

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
247 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 (159th St) over I- 57 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 6 (159th St) over I- 57 in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 25,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,442 by 2046. The structure is 247 ft (75.2 m) long and 90 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6 (159th St)
CrossesI- 57
Location1.6 M SW I-294
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.60173, -87.70947
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length247 ft (75.2 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width90 ft (27.4 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,100 (2023)
Projected traffic24,442 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 6 (159th St) over I- 57 built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 6 (159th St) over I- 57 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does US 6 (159th St) over I- 57 carry?

About 25,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 6 (159th St) over I- 57?

The structure is 247 ft (75.2 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 90 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 (159th St) over I- 57?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.