US Bridges

Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.33 M S US 6 · Structure no. 016265900000000

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
75 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 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 11,800 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2046. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 66 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesDixie HWY
CrossesCal Union Ditch
Location0.33 M S US 6
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.59646, -87.66662
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.8 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,800 (2023)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2046
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
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 Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch 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 Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch carry?

About 11,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Dixie HWY over Cal Union Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.