US Bridges

Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 340N 358ETO 400E · Structure no. 016650000000000

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
962 ft
15 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 continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 11,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,555 by 2046. The structure is 962 ft (293.2 m) long and 123 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWacker DR E
CrossesLower Wacker Drive
Location340N 358ETO 400E
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.88778, -87.62007
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.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length962 ft (293.2 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.7 m)
Deck width123 ft (37.6 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,200 (2022)
Projected traffic5,555 by 2046
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive 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 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 962 ft (293.2 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.7 m) and a deck 123 ft wide.

Who owns Wacker DR E over Lower Wacker Drive?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.