US Bridges

Central Park Ave over N Br Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 5100 N & 3600 W · Structure no. 016607500000000

Built
1913
112 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,050
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Park Ave over N Br Chicago River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Park Ave over N Br Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1913 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 112 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 1,050 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,030 by 2046. The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Park Ave
CrossesN Br Chicago River
Location5100 N & 3600 W
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.97323, -87.71838
Functional classUrban Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length79 ft (24 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (2022)
Projected traffic3,030 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Park Ave over N Br Chicago River built?

It was built in 1913, making it 112 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Central Park 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 July 2023.

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

About 1,050 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Central Park Ave over N Br Chicago River?

The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Central Park Ave over N Br Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.