Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal
PoorCook County, Illinois · 3100 S Western Ave · Structure no. 016605600000000
- Built
- 1940
- 85 years old, rebuilt 1996
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel
- Length
- 295 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 24,800
- 2022 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 85 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.
It carries about 24,800 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,179 by 2046. The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long and 145 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 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 | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal built?
It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.
What condition is Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal 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 August 2023.
How much traffic does Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal carry?
About 24,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.
How long is Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal?
The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long with a longest span of 172 ft (52.4 m) and a deck 145 ft wide.
Who owns Western AV/31st over Sanitary&ship Canal?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.