US Bridges

I-294 SB over Ballard RD

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.3 M N US 14 P11 · Structure no. 016975500000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
86 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
66,600
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-294 SB over Ballard RD is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-294 SB over Ballard RD in Cook County, Illinois. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older 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 66,600 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 53,025 by 2046. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-294 SB
CrossesBallard RD
Location0.3 M N US 14 P11
RouteInterstate 294
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.04394, -87.87023
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66,600 (2023)
Projected traffic53,025 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$693,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-294 SB over Ballard RD built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-294 SB over Ballard RD 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-294 SB over Ballard RD carry?

About 66,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I-294 SB over Ballard RD?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns I-294 SB over Ballard RD?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.