US Bridges

US 6 over Des Plaines River

Fair

Will County, Illinois · 0.25 M W Il 53 · Structure no. 099990400000000

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
408 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 6 over Des Plaines River is a steel movable - bascule carrying US 6 over Des Plaines River in Will County, Illinois. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 91 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 9,800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,832 by 2046. The structure is 408 ft (124.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 6
CrossesDes Plaines River
Location0.25 M W Il 53
RouteU.S. Route 6
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.51627, -88.08899
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length408 ft (124.3 m)
Longest span174 ft (53 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,800 (2023)
Projected traffic14,832 by 2046
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 6 over Des Plaines River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is US 6 over Des Plaines 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 6 over Des Plaines River carry?

About 9,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 6 over Des Plaines River?

The structure is 408 ft (124.3 m) long with a longest span of 174 ft (53 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns US 6 over Des Plaines River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.