US Bridges

Bluff Road over I- 55

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 1.5 M S of US 6 · Structure no. 099020800000000

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
198 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,850
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluff Road over I- 55 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluff Road over I- 55 in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 64 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 5,850 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,992 by 2046. The structure is 198 ft (60.2 m) long and 35 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluff Road
CrossesI- 55
Location1.5 M S of US 6
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.43465, -88.19533
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length198 ft (60.2 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,850 (2023)
Projected traffic7,992 by 2046
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$668,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluff Road over I- 55 built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Bluff Road over I- 55 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Bluff Road over I- 55 carry?

About 5,850 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Bluff Road over I- 55?

The structure is 198 ft (60.2 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Bluff Road over I- 55?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.