Canal ST over Union Station
PoorClosed to trafficCook County, Illinois · 500W & 200S to 300S · Structure no. 016651500000000
- Built
- 1926
- 99 years old, rebuilt 1983
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected May 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 424 ft
- 13 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 5,100
- 2022 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Canal ST over Union Station is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Canal ST over Union Station 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: closed to all traffic.
It carries about 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,504 by 2046. The structure is 424 ft (129.1 m) long and 100 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 | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 3 Serious | Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Canal ST over Union Station built?
It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.
What condition is Canal ST over Union Station 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 ST over Union Station carry?
About 5,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.
How long is Canal ST over Union Station?
The structure is 424 ft (129.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.
Who owns Canal ST over Union Station?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.