US Bridges

Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 501 W Cermak · Structure no. 016600700000000

Built
1906
119 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
337 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,100
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv is a steel movable - bascule carrying Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1906 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 119 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 9,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,686 by 2046. The structure is 337 ft (102.7 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCermak RD
CrossesS Br Chicago Riv
Location501 W Cermak
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.85271, -87.64131
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length337 ft (102.7 m)
Longest span216 ft (65.8 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,100 (2023)
Projected traffic8,686 by 2046
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
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 statusEligible 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 Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv built?

It was built in 1906, making it 119 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv carry?

About 9,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv?

The structure is 337 ft (102.7 m) long with a longest span of 216 ft (65.8 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns Cermak RD over S Br Chicago Riv?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.