US Bridges

Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 700 S & 200 E · Structure no. 016652400000000

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,150
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 7,150 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,444 by 2046. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBalbo Drive
CrossesMetra Electric RR
Location700 S & 200 E
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.87319, -87.62287
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,150 (2022)
Projected traffic9,444 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balbo Drive 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 Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR carry?

About 7,150 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns Balbo Drive over Metra Electric RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.