US Bridges

Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2725 S Damen Av · Structure no. 016601300000000

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
612 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,900
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 95 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 21,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,331 by 2046. The structure is 612 ft (186.5 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesDamen Ave
CrossesS Br Chicago River
Location2725 S Damen Av
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.84241, -87.67556
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length612 ft (186.5 m)
Longest span236 ft (71.8 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,900 (2022)
Projected traffic23,331 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2.7 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Damen Ave 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 Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River carry?

About 21,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River?

The structure is 612 ft (186.5 m) long with a longest span of 236 ft (71.8 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Damen Ave over S Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.