US Bridges

Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 4800 N & 700 W · Structure no. 016618300000000

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
71,800
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave is a concrete tee beam carrying Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 92 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 71,800 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 72,821 by 2046. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 130 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLake Shore Drive
CrossesLawrence Ave
Location4800 N & 700 W
RouteU.S. Route 41
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.96948, -87.64819
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width130 ft (39.6 m)
Roadway width104 ft (31.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic71,800 (2024)
Projected traffic72,821 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave 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 2024.

How much traffic does Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave carry?

About 71,800 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 130 ft wide.

Who owns Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Ave?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.