FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

IL 22

Carrying IL 22 over MD FK N BR CHGO RVR

0.5 M E OF IL 43, Lake, Illinois

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Good
88 t Inventory load rating

Bridge Snapshot: IL 22

The IL 22 bridge in Lake, Illinois carries IL 22 over MD FK N BR CHGO RVR. It was built in 2005, making it 21 years old today. The structure is built primarily of steel continuous and spans 3 sections, stretching 30.1 meters (99 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 19,300 vehicles, placing it in the heavily-trafficked tier of Illinois bridges. It is owned and maintained by State Highway Agency, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show a deck rating of 7/9, superstructure at 7/9, substructure at 7/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in good condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. No major component scores in the poor range, so the bridge is not classified as structurally deficient under federal criteria. Its NBI inventory load rating is 88.1 metric tons — the load level the structure is rated to carry at inventory (long-term) level.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, IL 22 is one data point in a Illinois inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 21-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How IL 22 compares

▲ 53.5
Load rating vs Illinois average (34.6 t)
Top 1%
Higher load rating than 99% of Illinois bridges
286
Bridges in Lake · 22 structurally deficient
IL 22 88.1 t
Illinois average 34.6 t

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across Illinois, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Deck
7/9
Good (7–9)
Superstructure
7/9
Good (7–9)
Substructure
7/9
Good (7–9)
Inventory Load Rating
88.1 t
NBI inventory level (metric tons)
SD Status
Not SD

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
2005
Material
Steel Continuous
Number of Spans
3
Structure Length
30.1 m (99 ft)
Deck Width
26.6 m (87 ft)
Owner
State Highway Agency
Avg Daily Traffic
19,300 vehicles/day
Structure Number
049018700000000

Location

0.5 M E OF IL 43, Lake, Illinois
42.199911, -87.853147
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Condition Analysis

Built in 2005, this bridge is 21 years old. It carries approximately 19,300 vehicles per day. Based on the most recent FHWA inspection:

  • The deck (driving surface) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.
  • The superstructure (beams and supports above the deck) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.
  • The substructure (piers and abutments) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.

Its NBI inventory load rating reflects the load level it is rated to carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for IL 22?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. IL 22 in Lake, Illinois has a deck rating of 7/9, superstructure rating of 7/9, and substructure rating of 7/9.

How often is IL 22 inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). IL 22 is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 19,300 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. IL 22 is not classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for IL 22?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. IL 22 has an inventory load rating of 88.1 metric tons. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining IL 22?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. IL 22 is maintained by State Highway Agency. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is IL 22 and does age affect safety?

IL 22 was built in 2005, making it 21 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial