US Bridges

Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv.

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 347 N & 301 E · Structure no. 016610100000000

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
389 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,600
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv. is a steel movable - bascule carrying Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv. in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 18,600 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,361 by 2046. The structure is 389 ft (118.6 m) long and 110 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColumbus DR
CrossesMain Br Chicago Riv.
Location347 N & 301 E
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88862, -87.62058
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length389 ft (118.6 m)
Longest span269 ft (82 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.5 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,600 (2022)
Projected traffic26,361 by 2046
Trucks4%
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 Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv. built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Columbus DR over Main 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv. carry?

About 18,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv.?

The structure is 389 ft (118.6 m) long with a longest span of 269 ft (82 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns Columbus DR over Main Br Chicago Riv.?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.