Il 53 over Des Plaines River
PoorWill County, Illinois · 1.2 MI S Il 7 · Structure no. 099990100000000
- Built
- 1935
- 90 years old, rebuilt 2002
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected June 2024
- Type
- Movable - Bascule
- Steel
- Length
- 396 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 21,300
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Il 53 over Des Plaines River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Il 53 over Des Plaines River in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 90 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 21,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,368 by 2046. The structure is 396 ft (120.7 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Il 53 over Des Plaines River built?
It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.
What condition is Il 53 over Des Plaines River 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 Il 53 over Des Plaines River carry?
About 21,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is Il 53 over Des Plaines River?
The structure is 396 ft (120.7 m) long with a longest span of 257 ft (78.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.
Who owns Il 53 over Des Plaines River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.