US Bridges

Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 1440 W Cortland · Structure no. 016601100000000

Built
1902
123 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
222 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,600
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv is a steel movable - bascule carrying Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1902 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 123 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 18,600 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,049 by 2046. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCortland ST
CrossesN Br Chicago Riv
Location1440 W Cortland
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.91704, -87.66381
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span128 ft (39 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,600 (2022)
Projected traffic15,049 by 2046
Trucks4%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv built?

It was built in 1902, making it 123 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv carry?

About 18,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 128 ft (39 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Cortland ST over N Br Chicago Riv?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.