US Bridges

Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2201 N & 1600 W · Structure no. 016600200000000

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
393 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26,200
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 89 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 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 26,200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,704 by 2046. The structure is 393 ft (119.7 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAshland Ave
CrossesN Br Chicago River
Location2201 N & 1600 W
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.92267, -87.66846
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length393 ft (119.7 m)
Longest span232 ft (70.7 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,200 (2022)
Projected traffic30,704 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Ashland Ave over N 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River carry?

About 26,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River?

The structure is 393 ft (119.7 m) long with a longest span of 232 ft (70.7 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns Ashland Ave over N Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.