US Bridges

Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks

FairPosted for load

Cook County, Illinois · 100S 400W to 500W · Structure no. 016626600000000

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
228 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,650
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 101 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,757 by 2046. The structure is 228 ft (69.6 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMonroe Street
CrossesUnion Station Tracks
Location100S 400W to 500W
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88057, -87.64091
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length228 ft (69.6 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,650 (2022)
Projected traffic5,757 by 2046
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks carry?

About 4,650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks?

The structure is 228 ft (69.6 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Monroe Street over Union Station Tracks?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.