US Bridges

W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 378 W & 100 S · Structure no. 016603600000000

Built
1919
106 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
267 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,650
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv is a steel movable - bascule carrying W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1919 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 106 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 4,650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,757 by 2046. The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Monroe ST
CrossesS Br Chicago Riv
Location378 W & 100 S
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88061, -87.63816
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.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length267 ft (81.4 m)
Longest span193 ft (58.8 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,650 (2022)
Projected traffic5,757 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is W Monroe 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 2024.

How much traffic does W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv carry?

About 4,650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv?

The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long with a longest span of 193 ft (58.8 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns W Monroe ST over S Br Chicago Riv?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.