US Bridges

26th ST over Des Plaines River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1.3 M W Il 43 · Structure no. 016101600000000

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
280 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

26th ST over Des Plaines River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 26th ST over Des Plaines River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 96 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,818 by 2046. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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Carries26th ST
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location1.3 M W Il 43
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.84266, -87.82952
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2022)
Projected traffic6,818 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
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$3.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 26th ST over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is 26th ST 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does 26th ST over Des Plaines River carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 26th ST over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns 26th ST over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.