US Bridges

Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 4800 N. & 2900 W. · Structure no. 016608600000000

Built
1919
106 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
252 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,700
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1919 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 13,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,776 by 2046. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLawrence Ave
CrossesN Br Chicago Riv
Location4800 N. & 2900 W.
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.96851, -87.70134
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.4 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,700 (2022)
Projected traffic17,776 by 2046
Trucks6%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Lawrence Ave over N 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv carry?

About 13,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.4 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Lawrence Ave over N Br Chicago Riv?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.