US Bridges

Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 340N 154E to 358E · Structure no. 016614500000000

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,437 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
11,200
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 11,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,110 by 2046. The structure is 1,437 ft (437.9 m) long and 108 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesWacker DR E
CrossesLower Wacker Drive
Location340N 154E to 358E
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88773, -87.61984
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans21
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,437 ft (437.9 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.2 m)
Deck width108 ft (32.8 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,200 (2022)
Projected traffic11,110 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive carry?

About 11,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive?

The structure is 1,437 ft (437.9 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.2 m) and a deck 108 ft wide.

Who owns Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.