US Bridges

I-294 over Silver Creek

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 1.7 MI N. of US 20 · Structure no. 016274600000000

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
177,500
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-294 over Silver Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-294 over Silver Creek in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 66 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 177,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 147,662 by 2046. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-294
CrossesSilver Creek
Location1.7 MI N. of US 20
RouteInterstate 294
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.93251, -87.91927
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating98.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic177,500 (2023)
Projected traffic147,662 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
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 I-294 over Silver Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is I-294 over Silver 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 I-294 over Silver Creek carry?

About 177,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I-294 over Silver Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-294 over Silver Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.