Canal Street over Union Station Tracks
PoorCook County, Illinois · 500 W & 0 N/S - 130S · Structure no. 016651600000000
- Built
- 1926
- 99 years old, rebuilt 1983
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected May 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 851 ft
- 23 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 5,100
- 2022 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.
It carries about 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,504 by 2046. The structure is 851 ft (259.4 m) long and 40 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 5,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.
How long is Canal Street over Union Station Tracks?
The structure is 851 ft (259.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.
Who owns Canal Street over Union Station Tracks?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.