The Torrence Avenue Bridge, located between Chicago and Burnham, Illinois, had deteriorated to the point of closure, creating mobility and safety challenges along a key north–south travel corridor. To restore this vital connection, the Illinois Department of Transportation selected STV to design a replacement structure that would increase capacity, improve multimodal access and minimize long‑term maintenance needs. The new bridge is a continuous three‑span steel girder superstructure with a reinforced concrete deck supported by integral abutments and multi‑column piers on drilled shafts. Weathering steel girders were incorporated to reduce future upkeep and improve durability.
What challenges did STV address?
The existing bridge required full replacement to meet modern load, safety and resilience standards. The corridor also needed additional vehicular capacity, a new sidewalk and a shared‑use path to support pedestrians and cyclists. The roadway approaches north and south of the bridge required reconstruction, and the surrounding area required drainage, lighting and streetscape improvements. Accelerating the reopening of a heavily traveled route was essential to nearby neighborhoods and commercial areas.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV designed the new three‑span steel girder structure and provided engineering services for the reconstruction of 1,300 feet of roadway approaches. The design widened the corridor to two travel lanes in each direction and introduced a sidewalk and shared‑use path. Weathering steel minimized maintenance needs, while modernized lighting, landscaping and drainage helped create a safer, more efficient roadway.
How does this project benefit the community?
The upgraded Torrence Avenue Bridge restores a critical local and regional connector, enhances safety for all users and improves mobility through Chicago’s Southeast Side. Wider lanes, improved drainage and new multimodal facilities strengthen reliability and support long‑term community growth.
Key stats and accolades
- Continuous three‑span steel girder bridge with weathering steel
- 1,300 feet of roadway approaches reconstructed
- Two lanes in each direction plus sidewalk and shared‑use path
- Modernized lighting, landscaping and drainage
