US Bridges

Western Ave over N Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 3000 N & 2400 W · Structure no. 016607000000000

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
315 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,500
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Western Ave over N Br Chicago River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Western Ave over N Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 52 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 28,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,744 by 2046. The structure is 315 ft (96.1 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWestern Ave
CrossesN Br Chicago River
Location3000 N & 2400 W
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.93633, -87.688
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length315 ft (96.1 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.5 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,500 (2022)
Projected traffic34,744 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Western Ave over N Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Western Ave over N 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Western Ave over N Br Chicago River carry?

About 28,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Western Ave over N Br Chicago River?

The structure is 315 ft (96.1 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns Western Ave over N Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.