I-294
I-294 in 1.7 MI N. Of US 20, Cook County, Illinois received a condition grade of F (0/100). Built in 1959, the bridge carries 178K vehicles daily on I-294 over Silver Creek. It is classified as structurally deficient.
I-294 carries an F on the BridgeSafety Condition Score with 0/100 — the bottom tier of the FHWA NBI distribution. Component ratings flag the structure for near-term rehabilitation or replacement; the bridge may remain open to traffic but is on the priority list for action.
The bridge was built in 1959 and is now 67 years old, at or past the typical 50-year design life for bridges of its vintage. Maintenance and inspection cycles are correspondingly more involved than for newer structures. I-294 carries an average daily traffic count of 177,500 vehicles, with 8 lane(s) crossing Silver Creek. The owning agency is State Toll Authority; bridge inspection records flow into the federal NBI database annually.
Component Ratings
The riding surface, evaluated for cracking, spalling, and wear
Beams, girders, and trusses that support the deck
Piers, abutments, and foundations below the deck
Bridge Details
About This Bridge
I-294 is a 67-year-old bridge located 1.7 MI N. Of US 20 in Cook County, Illinois. The bridge carries I-294 over Silver Creek with 8 traffic lanes, handling approximately 178K vehicles per day. Built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, the structure spans 8.7 meters.
The bridge received a Condition Grade of F (0/100) based on Federal Highway Administration inspection data. Its deck is rated 0/9 (serious), superstructure 0/9 (serious), and substructure 0/9 (serious). The bridge is classified as structurally deficient, meaning at least one major component is rated 4 or below, this signals a need for repair or replacement but does not necessarily indicate an immediate safety hazard.
This bridge is owned and maintained by State Toll Authority.
Location Map
Frequently Asked Questions
I-294 has a Condition Score of 0/100 (Grade F). Its deck is rated 0/9, superstructure 0/9, and substructure 0/9 on the NBI scale. The bridge is classified as structurally deficient.
I-294 was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, making it 67 years old. The average bridge age in the United States is 48 years.
I-294 carries approximately 178K vehicles per day (average daily traffic). The bridge has 8 traffic lanes. It is 8.7 meters long and located on I-294 in 1.7 MI N. Of US 20, Cook County, Illinois.
Yes, I-294 is classified as structurally deficient because at least one of its primary components (deck, superstructure, or substructure) is rated 4 or below on the 0-9 NBI scale. This does not necessarily mean it is unsafe, but it requires significant repair or replacement.
I-294 is located 1.7 MI N. Of US 20 in Cook County, Illinois. The bridge carries I-294 over Silver Creek. Its coordinates are 41.932514, -87.919267. It is maintained by State Toll Authority.
I-294 carries I-294 over Silver Creek. The bridge is 8.7 meters long and was built in 1959, with reconstruction in 1991.
Condition Score is calculated from deck (33%), superstructure (33%), and substructure (34%) NBI ratings with an age penalty for bridges over 50 years.
Source: FHWA National Bridge Inventory, 2026.