Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River
PoorPosted for loadCook County, Illinois · 400 S & 361 W · Structure no. 016605100000000
- Built
- 1956
- 69 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected September 2024
- Type
- Movable - Bascule
- Steel
- Length
- 267 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 6,200
- 2022 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,616 by 2046. The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River built?
It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.
What condition is Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River 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 2024.
How much traffic does Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River carry?
About 6,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.
How long is Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River?
The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long with a longest span of 210 ft (64.1 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.
Who owns Van Buren ST over S Br Chicago River?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.