US Bridges

I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy)

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 0.7 M SE Ill 43 P26 · Structure no. 016983300000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
71,700
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy) is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy) 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 3 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 71,700 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 62,822 by 2046. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-294 SB
CrossesIll 7 (sw Hwy)
Location0.7 M SE Ill 43 P26
RouteInterstate 294
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.70363, -87.78936
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic71,700 (2023)
Projected traffic62,822 by 2046
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy) built?

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

What condition is I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy) 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy) carry?

About 71,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy)?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns I-294 SB over Ill 7 (sw Hwy)?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.