US Bridges

I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal

Poor

Cook County, Illinois · 1 M SE Ill 50 P26 · Structure no. 016984700000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Other
Steel
Length
584 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
71,700
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal is a steel other carrying I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal 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 71,700 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 62,216 by 2046. The structure is 584 ft (178 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-294 NB
CrossesCal Sag Canal
Location1 M SE Ill 50 P26
RouteInterstate 294
CountyCook County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.65066, -87.72475
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length584 ft (178 m)
Longest span300 ft (91.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic71,700 (2023)
Projected traffic62,216 by 2046
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal built?

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

What condition is I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal carry?

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

How long is I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal?

The structure is 584 ft (178 m) long with a longest span of 300 ft (91.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns I-294 NB over Cal Sag Canal?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.