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UP Illinois Road Bridge (Lake Forest)

Through Plate Girder Bridge over Illinois Road
Lake Forest, Lake County, Illinois

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name UP Illinois Road Bridge (Lake Forest)
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Worden-Allen Company of Milwaukee
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 71 Feet Total, 50 Foot Main Spans
Width 2 Tracks
Height Above Ground 11 Feet 0 Inches
Superstructure Type Through Plate Girder
Substructure Type Steel Tower and Concrete
Date Built 1907
Traffic Count 60 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 28.11
C&NW Bridge Number 1370 1/2
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date July 2018


Located in the village of Lake Forest, this through girder bridge crosses Illinois Road at the intersection of Western Avenue.
Built in 1907, the bridge follows a typical pattern for a circa 1905 design. The bridge features three through plate girder spans, set onto concrete and steel substructures. The girders are built heavier than similar 1900 era bridges.
This type of design is common for grade separations in the early 20th Century. It was oftentimes used due to the ease of construction.
In addition, the bridge contains a ballasted deck, which appears to be in good condition.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition. No major deterioration was noted on the bridge, other than some concrete fracturing.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Chicago & North Western Historical Society Archives
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele