US Bridges

I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2.6 M SW I-90 94 · Structure no. 016108400000000

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
2,510 ft
31 main spans
Daily traffic
64,100
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 62 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 64,100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 61,661 by 2046. The structure is 2,510 ft (765.1 m) long and 65 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI- 55 EB Elevated
CrossesAshland Ave Viaduct
Location2.6 M SW I-90 94
RouteInterstate 55
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.83706, -87.67441
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans31 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,510 ft (765.1 m)
Longest span132 ft (40.1 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic64,100 (2024)
Projected traffic61,661 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$10.4 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct 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 I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct carry?

About 64,100 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct?

The structure is 2,510 ft (765.1 m) long with a longest span of 132 ft (40.1 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns I- 55 EB Elevated over Ashland Ave Viaduct?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.