US Bridges

Canal ST over S Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 500 W & 2021 S · Structure no. 016600600000000

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
350 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,800
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Canal ST over S Br Chicago River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Canal ST over S Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 77 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 15,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,675 by 2046. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCanal ST
CrossesS Br Chicago River
Location500 W & 2021 S
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.85522, -87.63881
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
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 inspectionAugust 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span255 ft (77.6 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,800 (2023)
Projected traffic17,675 by 2046
Trucks3%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Canal ST over S Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Canal ST 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Canal ST over S Br Chicago River carry?

About 15,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Canal ST over S Br Chicago River?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 255 ft (77.6 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Canal ST over S Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.