US Bridges

I-294 NB over C&nw RR

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 1.7 M S US 20 P20 · Structure no. 016979600000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
393 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
75,150
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-294 NB over C&nw RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-294 NB over C&nw RR 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 75,150 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,176 by 2046. The structure is 393 ft (119.8 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-294 NB
CrossesC&nw RR
Location1.7 M S US 20 P20
RouteInterstate 294
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.8845, -87.91942
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length393 ft (119.8 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75,150 (2023)
Projected traffic63,176 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-294 NB over C&nw RR built?

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

What condition is I-294 NB over C&nw RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2022.

How much traffic does I-294 NB over C&nw RR carry?

About 75,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I-294 NB over C&nw RR?

The structure is 393 ft (119.8 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns I-294 NB over C&nw RR?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.