US Bridges

I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv

Fair

Cook County, Illinois · 0.6 M S Ill 62 P11 · Structure no. 016976800000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
214 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
85,700
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv 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 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 85,700 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 69,488 by 2046. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-294 NB
CrossesDes Plaines Riv
Location0.6 M S Ill 62 P11
RouteInterstate 294
Coordinates42.01807, -87.86656
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic85,700 (2023)
Projected traffic69,488 by 2046
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv built?

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

What condition is I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv carry?

About 85,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns I-294 NB over Des Plaines Riv?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.