Canal Street over Union Station Tracks
PoorPosted for loadCook County, Illinois · 500 W & 300 to 600 S · Structure no. 016651400000000
- Built
- 1926
- 99 years old, rebuilt 1983
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected May 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 1,260 ft
- 41 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 10,400
- 2014 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Canal Street over Union Station Tracks is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Canal Street over Union Station Tracks in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 99 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 10,400 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,504 by 2046. The structure is 1,260 ft (384 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 3 Serious | Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Canal Street over Union Station Tracks built?
It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.
What condition is Canal Street over Union Station Tracks 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 May 2023.
How much traffic does Canal Street over Union Station Tracks carry?
About 10,400 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.
How long is Canal Street over Union Station Tracks?
The structure is 1,260 ft (384 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.
Who owns Canal Street over Union Station Tracks?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.