US Bridges

Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Lake County, Illinois · .5 M N 53 1.0 M W 83 · Structure no. 049715000000000

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek in Lake County, Illinois. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,677 by 2046. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCoffin Road
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.5 M N 53 1.0 M W 83
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLake County
StateIllinois
Coordinates42.17699, -88.00085
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating11.5 US tons
Inventory rating6.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2023)
Projected traffic2,677 by 2046
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$96,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Coffin Road over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.