US Bridges

Western Ave over Thorn Creek

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.15 M S Sauk TR P · Structure no. 016241500000000

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Western Ave over Thorn Creek is a concrete slab carrying Western Ave over Thorn Creek in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 14,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,857 by 2046. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWestern Ave
CrossesThorn Creek
Location0.15 M S Sauk TR P
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.47221, -87.67416
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,600 (2023)
Projected traffic15,857 by 2046
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Western Ave over Thorn Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Western Ave 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Western Ave over Thorn Creek carry?

About 14,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Western Ave over Thorn Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Western Ave over Thorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.