US Bridges

North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 2600 N. 2000 W. · Structure no. 016652700000000

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
313 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,150
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River is a steel arch - thru carrying North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 5 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 10,150 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,666 by 2046. The structure is 313 ft (95.4 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNorth Damen Avenue
CrossesN Brch Chicago River
Location2600 N. 2000 W.
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.92813, -87.67814
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length313 ft (95.4 m)
Longest span308 ft (94 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,150 (2023)
Projected traffic6,666 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River carry?

About 10,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River?

The structure is 313 ft (95.4 m) long with a longest span of 308 ft (94 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns North Damen Avenue over N Brch Chicago River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.