US Bridges

I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · W Franklin Ave · Structure no. 016244500000000

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
335 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
76,900
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River is a steel movable - bascule carrying I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 69 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 76,900 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 75,447 by 2046. The structure is 335 ft (102.1 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-290 Ike
CrossesS Br Chicago River
LocationW Franklin Ave
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.87554, -87.63699
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length335 ft (102.1 m)
Longest span221 ft (67.5 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.1 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic76,900 (2024)
Projected traffic75,447 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River carry?

About 76,900 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River?

The structure is 335 ft (102.1 m) long with a longest span of 221 ft (67.5 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns I-290 Ike over S Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.