US Bridges

I- 55 SB over Kankakee River

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 7.4 M S of US 6 · Structure no. 099000200000000

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,005 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
23,750
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I- 55 SB over Kankakee River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I- 55 SB over Kankakee River in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 69 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 23,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,936 by 2046. The structure is 1,005 ft (306.4 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI- 55 SB
CrossesKankakee River
Location7.4 M S of US 6
RouteInterstate 55
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.35108, -88.19171
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,005 ft (306.4 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,750 (2024)
Projected traffic27,936 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I- 55 SB over Kankakee River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is I- 55 SB over Kankakee River 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 2023.

How much traffic does I- 55 SB over Kankakee River carry?

About 23,750 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I- 55 SB over Kankakee River?

The structure is 1,005 ft (306.4 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I- 55 SB over Kankakee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.