US Bridges

18th ST over S Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 301 W 18th ST · Structure no. 016601700000000

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
241 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,650
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

18th ST over S Br Chicago River is a steel movable - bascule carrying 18th ST over S Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 58 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 5,650 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,798 by 2046. The structure is 241 ft (73.6 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries18th ST
CrossesS Br Chicago River
Location301 W 18th ST
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.85772, -87.63565
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length241 ft (73.6 m)
Longest span181 ft (55.3 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,650 (2022)
Projected traffic4,798 by 2046
Trucks6%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was 18th ST over S Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is 18th 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 18th ST over S Br Chicago River carry?

About 5,650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is 18th ST over S Br Chicago River?

The structure is 241 ft (73.6 m) long with a longest span of 181 ft (55.3 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns 18th ST over S Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.