US Bridges

26th ST over Thorn Creek

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1.0 M E of Western · Structure no. 016230000000000

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
34 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

26th ST over Thorn Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying 26th ST over Thorn Creek in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,909 by 2046. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long.

Carries26th ST
CrossesThorn Creek
Location1.0 M E of Western
Coordinates41.49152, -87.65455
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2023)
Projected traffic5,909 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 26th ST over Thorn Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is 26th ST over Thorn 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 26th ST over Thorn Creek carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is 26th ST over Thorn Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.7 m).

Who owns 26th ST over Thorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.