US Bridges

I- 55 SB over I & M Canal

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 1.1 M S of I-80 · Structure no. 099001000000000

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,100
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I- 55 SB over I & M Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I- 55 SB over I & M Canal in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 6 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 34,100 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,680 by 2046. The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI- 55 SB
CrossesI & M Canal
Location1.1 M S of I-80
RouteInterstate 55
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.46706, -88.19645
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating104.3 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.2 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,100 (2024)
Projected traffic40,680 by 2046
Trucks18%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I- 55 SB over I & M Canal built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is I- 55 SB over I & M Canal 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I- 55 SB over I & M Canal carry?

About 34,100 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I- 55 SB over I & M Canal?

The structure is 43 ft (13.2 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I- 55 SB over I & M Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.