US Bridges

Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 373 W Madison · Structure no. 016603400000000

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
281 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,100
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv is a steel movable - bascule carrying Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 103 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 12,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,514 by 2046. The structure is 281 ft (85.5 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMadison ST
CrossesS Br Chicago Riv
Location373 W Madison
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88189, -87.63849
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.5 m)
Longest span221 ft (67.4 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,100 (2022)
Projected traffic11,514 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Madison ST 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 Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv carry?

About 12,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv?

The structure is 281 ft (85.5 m) long with a longest span of 221 ft (67.4 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns Madison ST over S Br Chicago Riv?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.