US Bridges

Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 500S & 100E · Structure no. 016652100000000

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
51,300
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 6 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 51,300 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,836 by 2046. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCongress Parkway(s
CrossesMetra Electric RR
Location500S & 100E
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.87561, -87.62327
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width89 ft (27 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic51,300 (2024)
Projected traffic28,836 by 2046
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR 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 Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR carry?

About 51,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns Congress Parkway(s over Metra Electric RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.