US Bridges

Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks

FairPosted for load

Cook County, Illinois · 400S 400W to 500W · Structure no. 016627100000000

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
392 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 105 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,616 by 2046. The structure is 392 ft (119.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesVan Buren Street
CrossesUnion Station Tracks
Location400S 400W to 500W
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.87679, -87.63803
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
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 rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length392 ft (119.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.3 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2022)
Projected traffic6,616 by 2046
Trucks9%
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$4.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Van Buren 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 Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks?

The structure is 392 ft (119.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.3 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Van Buren Street over Union Station Tracks?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.