Historic Bridges: Chicago and Cook County, Illinois

Chicago and Cook County are home to one of the largest collections of historic bridges in the country, and no other city in the world has more movable bridges. HistoricBridges.org is proud to offer the most complete coverage of these bridges on the Internet.

Special Bridge Conditions Legend: R - Former location of relocated bridge. ! - At risk for demolition or destruction. X - Confirmed demolished or collapsed. S  - Dismantled and/or in storage. L -  Severe loss of historic integrity due to alteration.

100th Street Bridge

100th Street Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 326 ft. Main Span: 233 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1927 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This bascule bridge is an excellent and unaltered example of a traditional Chicago bascule bridge.

104th Avenue Bridge

104th Avenue (Willow Springs Road) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Palos: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 406 ft. Main Span: 290 ft. Roadway: 28 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1964 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

One of several 1960s truss bridges on the Calumet Sag Channel.

106th Street Bridge

106th Street Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 349 ft. Main Span: 250 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1930 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This impressive bascule bridge has very tall trusses and is among the most impressive of the Calumet River highway bridges.

127th Street Bridge

127th Street Over Calumet Sag Channel in Alsip: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 12 Panel Bolt-Connected Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 610 ft. Main Span: 396 ft. Roadway: 53.2 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1968 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

This imposing bridge is noted for its very heavy skew.

130th Street Bridge

130th Street Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 12 Panel Rivet-Connected Modified Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Length: 369 ft. Main Span: 230 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1949 By: Unknown

This truss bridge is a fixed Calumet River bridge that features an unusual modified Warren truss design.

130th Street Railroad Bridge

Railroad (NICTD South Shore Line) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Length: 432 ft. Main Span: 274 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

An example of late railroad truss bridge construction.

18th Street Bridge

18th Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 280 ft. Main Span: 182 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1967 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is one of the few single leaf highway bascule bridges in Chicago, and the only example using the pony/deck truss design.

31st Street Railroad Overpass East

Railroad (Various) Over 31st Street Boulevard in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 2

Built By: Unknown

One of two railroad overpasses crossing this boulevard that have aesthetic details.

31st Street Railroad Overpass West

Railroad (Chicago and Western Indiana) Over 31st Street Boulevard in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

This is one of two similar beautifully designed grade separations to carry a railroad over a Chicago boulevard.

X
35th Street Pedestrian Bridge

Pedestrian Walkway Over Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

One of two riveted pedestrian overpass structures in the area.

X
43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge

Pedestrian Walkway Over Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois

One of two riveted pedestrian overpass structures in the area.

47th Street Bridge

Railroad (Chicago Belt Railroad) Over 47th Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 80 ft. Main Span: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1946 By: Michael J. McDermott and Company and H. C. Taylor

This bridge stands out among many overpasses in Chicago for its ornate architectural detailing.

47th Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 47th Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 5

Built By: Unknown

With an art deco style, this is one of of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

51st Street Bridge
Hyde Park Boulevard Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 51st Street (Hyde Park Boulevard) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

One of of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

53rd Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 53rd Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

One of of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

55th Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 55th Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

One of of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

56th Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 56th Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

One of of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

57th Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 57th Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 5

Built By: Unknown

One of of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display attractive architectual details.

59th Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 59th Street and Westbound Midway Plaisance Drive in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 6

Built By: Unknown

With unusual railings on one side, this is one of the largest examples of a series of similar bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

60th Street Bridge

Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) Over 60th Street and Eastbound Midway Plaisance Drive in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 6

Built By: Unknown

One of the largest examples of a series of railroad overpass bridges that display highly attractive architectual details.

95th Street Bridge

95th Street Bridge (US-12) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 343 ft. Main Span: 239 ft. Roadway: 62 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1958 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is the bascule bridge the seen in the Blues Brothers movie.

96th Avenue Bridges
La Grange Road Bridges

US-45 (96th Avenue and La Grange Road) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Palos: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Continuous Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 445 ft. Main Span: 290 ft. Roadway: 30.8 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1967 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

This is a pair of identical truss bridges that carry a divided highway system.

Adams Street Bridge

Adams Street (Historic US-66) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 250 ft. Main Span: 199 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1927 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

One of the bascule bridges in Chicago that is a true deck truss with no trusses above the roadway.

Archer Avenue Bridge
Kingery Highway Bridge

Archer Avenue (Kingery Highway, IL-83) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Sag Bridge: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 14 Panel Rivet-Connected Pennsylvania Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 508 ft. Main Span: 305 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1934 By: Unknown

One of a couple pleasingly complex 1930s Pennsylvania through truss bridges filled with complex geometry.

Ashland Avenue Calumet Sag Channel Bridge

Ashland Avenue Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Pre-Stressed Concrete Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 378 ft. Main Span: 250 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1932 By: Unknown

This impressive through truss has an attractive visual complexity to its trusses.

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Ashland Avenue North Branch Bridge

Ashland Avenue Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 387 ft. Main Span: 232 ft. Roadway: 60 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1936 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This graceful structure includes bridge tender buildings with symbolic depictions.

Ashland Avenue Sanitary and Ship Canal Bridge

Ashland Avenue Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 312 ft. Main Span: 225 ft. Roadway: 57 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1938 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is among the widest Chicago bascule bridges, and is associated with Depression era funding programs.

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Aulwurm Drive Bridge

Aulwurm Drive Over Little Calumet River in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 3 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Pony Truss, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

Just about everything that could go wrong with this rare multi-span pony truss has gone wrong.

Austin Avenue Bridge

Railroad (Soo Line, Metra Milwaukee District West) Over Austin Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1939 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and Arthur Engh

Funded with federal Depression era relief funds, this bridge is so wide driving under it is much like driving through a tunnel.

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Baltimore and Ohio Calumet River Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Modified Warren (Subdivided) Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Heel Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Main Span: 235 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1913 By: Unknown and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

Only the counterweight and mechanical frame of this bridge remains after being hit by a boat in 1988.

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Baltimore and Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio Chicago Terminal) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Heel Trunnion)

Length: 186 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1930 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

This mature example of a Strauss heel-trunnion bascule bridge has been abandoned in its raised position.

Barry Avenue Underpass

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Barry Avenue Pedestrian Walkway in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

Although one side is altered, this remains an attractive example of a historic Lake Shore Drive bridge that crosses a pedestrian walkway in Lincoln Park.

Belmont Avenue Overpass

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Belmont Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed

Length: 70 ft. Main Span: 66 ft. Roadway: 100 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Unknown

This bridge is quite different in design and appearance from other historic overpasses on Lake Shore Drive.

Bernard Street Bridge

Bernard Street Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Double-Intersection Warren Pony Truss, Fixed

Length: 70 ft. Main Span: 70 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1885 By: Alden and Lassig Bridge and Iron Works of Chicago, Illinois

This unique foot bridge shows strong evidence that it is a relocated and altered railroad overpass bridge.

Blue Island Junction Railroad Bridges

Railroad (Various) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This is a unique collection of five bridges of same age and similar design located next to a busy railroad junction.

Bluff City Boulevard Bridge

Bluff City Boulevard Over Poplar Creek in Elgin: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 40 ft. Main Span: 34 ft. Roadway: 30.8 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1909 By: Unknown

This is a small but noteworthy in this area as an old, unaltered example of a concrete arch bridge.

Bridge Z-6
Milwaukee Road Bloomingdale Line Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Canadian Pacific, Former Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway) Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Movable: Swing (Arc Bearing Bobtail) and Approach Spans: Metal Girder, Fixed

Length: 245 ft. Main Span: 175 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1899 By: American Bridge Works of Chicago, Illinois and Onward Bates

This bridge exhibits one of the most unusual swing bridge designs ever encountered.

Burkhardt Drive Bridge
Boulder Bridge

Burkhardt Drive Over Douglass Park Lake in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Three-Hinged Solid Ribbed Spandrel Braced Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This bridge appears to be a rare spandrel braced three-hinged arch bridge.

Caldwell Bridge
H. Wallace Caldwell Memorial Bridge, Swinging Bridge

Pedestrian Walkway Over Des Plaines River in Riverside: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Wire Cable Suspension, Fixed

Length: 170 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: William J. Howard Company of Chicago, Illinois

This suspension footbridge has a somewhat modern appearance, due to the use of early welded construction and possible deck and railing alterations.

California Avenue AT and SF Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway) Over California Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

Although individually undistinguished, this bridge is a representative example of its kind.

California Avenue Bridge

California Avenue Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Strauss Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 314 ft. Main Span: 224 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1926 By: Unknown and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

This is a two-lane bascule bridge that no longer operates.

California Avenue C and WI Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Chicago and Western Indiana) Over California Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

Although individually undistinguished, this bridge is a representative example of its kind.

Calumet River Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad Bridge
Bridge 710

Railroad (Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Movable: Vertical Lift (Tower Drive)

Main Span: 242 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1974 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York

This may not be the oldest of vertical lift bridges in Chicago, but its bright red paint and interesting shape make this an attractive gateway into Lake Michigan!

Calumet River Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge
Nickel Plate Road Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Norfolk Southern) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 12 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Movable: Vertical Lift

Main Span: 320 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1971 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York

This is an impressive example of a traditional mid-20th Century railroad vertical lift bridge.

Calumet River Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridges

Railroad (Various) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Vertical Lift (Tower Drive)

Length: 210 ft. Main Span: 210 ft. Roadway: 31.25 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1912 By: Kelly-Atkinson Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and Waddell and Harrington of Kansas City, Missouri

Once a group of five bridges, the three remaining impressive vertical lifts are excellent examples of Waddell and Harrington vertical lift bridges.

Calumet Sag Channel Canadian National Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Canadian National) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 12 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed

Length: 395 ft. Main Span: 325 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

A typical example of a Calumet Sag Channel railroad bridge.

Canal Street Bridge

Canal Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 350 ft. Main Span: 254 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1949 By: Mount Vernon Bridge Company of Mount Vernon, Ohio and City of Chicago

This trunnion bascule bridge was built by the Mount Vernon Bridge Company of Ohio.

Canal Street Railroad Bridge
Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge 458

Railroad (Amtrak, Metra Heritage Corridor, and Metra SouthWest Service) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Movable: Vertical Lift (Span Drive)

Length: 388 ft. Main Span: 273 ft. Roadway: 19.5 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1915 By: Pennsylvania Steel Company of Steelton, Pennsylvania and Waddell and Harrington of Kansas City, Missouri

The heaviest vertical lift span when built, with 195 foot high towers, this is the only vertical lift near downtown Chicago.

Central Avenue Bridge

Central Avenue Over Tinley Creek in Worth: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Length: 46 ft. Main Span: 40 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1941 By: Davidson and Doctor

This bridge is a good example of a county-designed rigid-frame bridge.

Cermak Road Bridge
22nd Street Bridge

Cermak Road Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Rolling Lift) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 337 ft. Main Span: 216 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1906 By: George W. Jackson of Chicago, Illinois and Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Company of Chicago, Illinois

This is the only Scherzer rolling lift on the streets of Chicago, and has been heavily reconstructed.

Cermak Road Railroad Overpass
Chinatown Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Metra Rock Island District and Former New York Central) Over Cermak Road (22nd Avenue) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Main Spans: 2

Built By: Unknown

This elegant bridge is one of the finest railroad overpass bridges in the city of Chicago.

Chatham Street Bridge

Chatham Street Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 385 ft. Main Span: 304 ft. Roadway: 30 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1964 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

One of two completely unaltered, deteriorated, and closed truss bridges in Blue Island.

Cherry Avenue Bridge
Bridge Number Z-2

Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad) and Non-Motorized Walkway Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Bobtail)

Length: 230 ft. Main Span: 120 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1902 By: Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This extremely rare bobtail swing bridge, restored and open to the non-motorized traffic, is the most unusual and significant swing bridge in Cook County.

Chicago and Alton Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Metra Heritage Corridor, Amtrak, and Canadian National) Over South Fork South Branch Chicago River (Bubbly Creek) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 5 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren (No Verticals) Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Page) and Approach Spans: Metal Girder, Fixed

Length: 214 ft. Main Span: 150 ft. Roadway: 34.3 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1906 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York and William M. Hughes of Chicago, Illinois

The first ever built, and today the last remaining example of a Page bascule bridge.

Chicago and Illinois Western Railway Bridge

Railroad (Chicago and Western Indiana) Over Collateral Channel (Canal Slip) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Variable Depth Deck Girder, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Rall)

Main Spans: 1

Built 1914 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and Theodor Rall

One of only a few examples of a Rall bascule bridge in the entire country, and the only one in Chicago.

Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Chicago and Western Indiana) Over Little Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 400 ft. Main Span: 270 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

A typical example of the railroad truss bridges found on the Little Calumet River and Calumet Sag Channel.

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Chicago Avenue Bridge

Chicago Avenue Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 291 ft. Main Span: 189 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1914 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is one of the oldest pony truss style bascule bridges in Chicago.

Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge
High Bridge

I-90 (Chicago Skyway) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Cantilever Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Deck Truss, Fixed

Length: 2,458 ft. Main Span: 650 ft. Roadway: 76.4 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1958 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York and J. E. Greiner Company of Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois

This 1950s cantilever bridge is the only monumental sized high level bridge in Chicago.

Chicago Transit Authority "L" System

Railroad (Chicago Transit Authority) Over Various Streets of Chicago in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Deck Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Built By: Various Builders

Essentially a very long multi-span bridge, parts of this railway are as old as the late 1800s, and feature riveted girder and truss construction.

Cicero Avenue Bridge

Cicero Avenue (IL-50) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Strauss Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 304 ft. Main Span: 240 ft. Roadway: 76 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1927 By: Unknown and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

This bridge was originally designed with two truss lines, but a third line was added when the bridge was widened.

Cicero Avenue Cal-Sag Bridge

Cicero Avenue (IL-50) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Alsip: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 378 ft. Main Span: 270 ft. Roadway: 43.6 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1938 By: Unknown

This beautiful bridge is distinguished by its aesthetic bracing arches and its visually lightweight appearance.

Cicero Avenue Railroad Bridge
Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Chicago and Western Indiana, Belt Railway) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Center Pier)

Length: 335 ft. Main Span: 335 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1899 By: Lassig Bridge and Iron Works of Chicago, Illinois

Located near Nerska Junction, this center-pivot swing bridge is one of a few remaining railroad swing bridges on the Sanitary and Ship Canal.

Clarence Darrow Memorial Bridge
North Pond Bridge

Columbia Drive Over Jackson Park Lagoon (North Pond) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Main Span: 130 ft. Roadway: 60 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1895 By: Unknown

This unusual girder bridge appears to sit on abutments that are older than the bridge itself.

Clark Street Bridge

Clark Street Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 346 ft. Main Span: 245 ft. Roadway: 38.1 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1929 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is one of the largest and most impressive of the pony truss bascule bridges in downtown Chicago.

Clybourn Station Bridge

Railroad (Metra Union Pacific North) Over Ashland Avenue and Cortland Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Through Girder, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 300 ft. Main Span: 62 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built By: Unknown

This is a large, curved, and skewed concrete encased through plate girder bridge.

Columbus Drive Bridge
William P. Fahey Bridge

Columbus Drive Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Non-Historic, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 389 ft. Main Span: 269 ft. Roadway: 90 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1982 By: Paschen Contractors of Chicago, Illinois and American Bridge Company of New York, New York and City of Chicago and Envirodyne Engineers Inc.

This non-historic bridge is listed only for comparitive purposes and for continuity of those using this website for a river tour.

Congress Parkway "L" Overpass
Ida B. Wells Drive "L" Overpass

Railroad (Chicago Transit Authority "L" Orange Line) Over Congress Parkway (Ida B. Wells Drive) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Deck Truss, Fixed

Main Span: 66 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

Although much of the Chicago L could be thought of as one large bridge, this span stands out as different, independent, and noteworthy.

Congress Parkway Bridge
Wagner Memorial Bridge, Ida B. Wells Drive Bridge

Congress Parkway (Ida B. Wells Drive) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion)

Length: 335 ft. Main Span: 222 ft. Roadway: 83.7 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1956 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois

One of the most unusually designed of the Chicago bridges, because it uses the Warren truss configuration rather than the Pratt.

Conrail Little Calumet River Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Conrail) Over Little Calumet River in Calumet City: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1958 By: Unknown

One of a number of railroad truss bridges on the Little Calumet River.

Cortland Street Bridge
West Clybourn Place Bridge

Cortland Street Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 14 Panel Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 217 ft. Main Span: 128 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1901 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York and City of Chicago

Easily the most significant Chicago bridge, this ornate bridge was the first trunnion bascule bridge ever built!

Crawford Avenue Bridge
Pulaski Road Bridge

Crawford Avenue (Pulaski Road) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Robbins: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 9 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 335 ft. Main Span: 207 ft. Roadway: 40 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1932 By: McClintic-Marshall Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This bridge is significant since it is one of the oldest truss bridges on this waterway.

Damen Avenue Bridge

Railroad (Chicago Belt) Over Damen Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Deck Girder, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and Arthur Engh

This bridge stands out in Chicago as a beautifully designed railroad overpass.

Dearborn Street Bridge

Dearborn Street Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 341 ft. Main Span: 235 ft. Roadway: 56 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1963 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

Built in 1963, this bridge is among the newest Chicago bridges, but appears to have been built to match other older bridges in Chicago.

Deering Bridge

Railroad (Metra Union Pacific North) Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 6 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Heel Trunnion)

Length: 186 ft. Main Span: 145 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1916 By: Kelly-Atkinson Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

This is an impressive and extremely massive railroad truss bridge.

Des Plaines River Soo Line Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Canadian National) Over Des Plaines River in Maywood: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 5 Panel Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Fixed

Length: 140 ft. Main Span: 140 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

For a double-track railroad bridge, this bridge has somewhat lightweight trusses.

Diversey Harbor Inlet Bridge

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Diversey Harbor Inlet in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Length: 69 ft. Main Span: 69 ft. Roadway: 92 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Unknown

Although altered on one side, this bridge remains a rare example of a steel rigid-frame and also has an early welded detail.

Division Street Bridge

Division Street Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 371 ft. Main Span: 290 ft. Roadway: 30 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1964 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

One of two completely unaltered, deteriorated, and closed truss bridges in Blue Island.

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Division Street North Branch Bridge
Charles Levy Bridge

Division Street Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 242 ft. Main Span: 149 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1903 By: Roemheld and Gallery and City of Chicago

Division Avenue has two rare first generation Chicago bascule bridges within sight of each other, and this is the westernmost one.

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Division Street North Branch Canal Bridge
Division Street Eastern Bridge

Division Street Over North Branch Chicago River Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 260 ft. Main Span: 173 ft. Roadway: 39 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1904 By: Roemheld and Gallery and City of Chicago

This bridge is noted for its unusual decorative plate bracing that is unlike other similarly designed bridges.

Douglas Park Bridge

Park Walkway Over Park Stream in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Stone Segmental Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This attractive structure has served as a decorative park of a pedestrian walkway for many years.

Dundee Road Bridge

Dundee Road (IL-68) Over Des Plaines River in Wheeling: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 172 ft. Main Span: 72 ft. Roadway: 52 ft. Main Spans: 2

Built 1905 By: Unknown and Harry L. Emerson

This is a bridge has a history of alteration, but at the core is a very old concrete arch bridge.

Eight Track Bridge
Western Avenue Railroad Bridges 'Scissors Bridges'

Railroad (Various) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Rolling Lift) and Approach Spans: Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Deck Truss, Fixed

Length: 140 ft. Main Span: 140 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1909 By: Chicago Bridge and Iron Works of Chicago, Illinois and Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Company of Chicago, Illinois

These four side-by-side single leaf bascule bridges are among the most unusual bridges in Cook County.

Evanston-Wilmette Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Chicago Transit Authority "L" Purple Line) Over North Shore Channel in Evanston: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Fixed

Length: 425 ft. Main Span: 175 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1909 By: Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Carlton R. Dart

A tradtional, fixed truss bridge perhaps stands out in Cook County for those reasons.

Ewing Avenue Bridge
92nd Street Bridge

Ewing Avenue (US-41) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 338 ft. Main Span: 228 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1914 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is one of the oldest highway bridges on the Calumet River.

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Ford City Drive Bridge
Keller Drive Bridge

Ford City Drive (Keller Drive) Over Pulaski Road in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Length: 90 ft. Main Span: 83 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1944 By: Unknown

This rigid-frame bridge has good historic integrity and is noteworthy for its association with World War II bomber production efforts.

Francisco Avenue Bridge

Francisco Avenue Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 364 ft. Main Span: 252 ft. Roadway: 28 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1969 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

A typical example of a 1960s Sag Channel truss bridge which represents the end of the rivet era in bridge construction.

Franklin Street Bridge
Franklin-Orleans Bridge

Franklin Street (Orleans Street) Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 320 ft. Main Span: 252 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1920 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

Featuring ornate railings, this bridge is among the older examples of this style of bascule bridge.

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Fullerton Avenue Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Metra Union Pacific North) Over Fullerton Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Continuous Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 96 ft. Main Span: 60 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1899 By: Unknown

This is a representative example of several similar railroad overpass bridges in this area on this line slated for demolition and replacement.

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Fullerton Parkway Bridge

Fullerton Parkway Over Lincoln Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 99 ft. Main Span: 49 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 2

Built 1940 By: Unknown

This unusual bridge has attractive Art Deco detailing and is an asset to the Lincoln Park Historic District.

Fullerton Parkway Overpass

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Fullerton Parkway in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Length: 73 ft. Main Span: 66 ft. Roadway: 100 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Bethlehem Steel Company of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

This bridge is an early, rare example of a steel rigid-frame and also has an early welded detail, and has good historic integrity.

Garfield Park Footbridge

Pedestrian Walkway Over Garfield Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Truss Stiffening Wire Cable Suspension, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This bridge appears to be fairly old, yet appears to have a similar design as an even older suspension bridge.

Grand Avenue Bridge
Indiana Street Bridge

Grand Avenue Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 270 ft. Main Span: 188 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1913 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

One of the older Chicago bridges, this is an older version of the pony truss bascule bridge design seen in Chicago.

Halsted Street Little Calumet River Bridge

Halsted Street (IL-1) Over Little Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Pre-Stressed Concrete Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 420 ft. Main Span: 230 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1931 By: Unknown

This bridge is among the older truss bridges on this waterway and has attractive lattice and v-lacing on its built-up beams.

Halsted Street North Branch Bridge

Halsted Street Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 267 ft. Main Span: 154 ft. Roadway: 46 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1955 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

One of the younger examples of a deck truss bascule bridge in Chicago.

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Halsted Street North Branch Canal Bridge

Halsted Street Over North Branch Chicago River Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 302 ft. Main Span: 206 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1909 By: Jules E. Roemheld Company and City of Chicago

Among the most important historic bridges in Chicago is this large example of the earliest bascule bridge design seen in Chicago.

Halsted Street South Branch Bridge

Halsted Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 316 ft. Main Span: 224 ft. Roadway: 90 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1934 By: Mount Vernon Bridge Company of Mount Vernon, Ohio and City of Chicago

This bridge is three trusses wide and still lifts for boats in the spring and fall seasons.

Harlem Avenue Bridges

Harlem Avenue (IL-43) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Lyons: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 456 ft. Main Span: 224 ft. Roadway: 56 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1931 By: Unknown

One of these near-twin bridges is the oldest example of its unusual kind among the Chicago bascule collection.

Harlem Avenue Calumet Sag Channel Bridge

Harlem Avenue (IL-43) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Worth: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 427 ft. Main Span: 298 ft. Roadway: 51.8 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1964 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

One of several similar 1960s truss bridges on the Cal Sag Channel.

Harlem Avenue Railroad Bridge
Santa Fe Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, Former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Forest View: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Center Pier)

Length: 373 ft. Main Span: 364 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1899 By: Keystone Bridge Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

One of several remaining historically significant center-pivot swing bridges in Chicago.

Harrison Street Bridge

Harrison Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 279 ft. Main Span: 210 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1960 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This is one of the later examples of the pony/deck truss combination bridges.

Harrison Street Pedestrian Bridge

Grant Park Walkway Over Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Deck Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 3

Built By: Unknown

One of two attractive overpass walkways in Grant Park.

Hawthorne Bridge

Sheridan Road Over Ravine Number 3 in Glencoe: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 61 ft. Main Span: 55 ft. Roadway: 30 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1923 By: Unknown

The smallest of three bridges on this section of Sheridan Road that are noted for a decorative stone arch facing.

Higgins Road Bridge

Railroad (Canadian Pacific) Over Higgins Road (IL-72) in Rosemont and Des Plaines: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 100 ft. Main Span: 64 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1934 By: Unknown

This is a traditionally composed plate girder overpass on altered piers.

Illinois Central Little Calumet River Railroad Bridges

Railroad (Illinois Central) Over Little Calumet River in Riverdale: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion)

Length: 590 ft. Main Span: 310 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1925 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and American Bridge Company of New York, New York and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

Hidden inside the approach spans of this group of parallel truss bridges are bascule spans from an older era of this waterway.

Illinois Central Sanitary and Ship Canal Bridge
Kedzie Avenue BNSF Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, Former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Center Pier)

Length: 328 ft. Main Span: 323 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1899 By: Keystone Bridge Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

One of only a few remaining swing bridges in Cook County.

Independence Boulevard Bridge

Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio) Over Independence Boulevard in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 9

Built 1912 By: Unknown

This beautiful railroad overpass crosses one of the historic boulevards of Chicago.

Indian Hill Station Bridge
Winnetka Avenue Bridge

Railroad (Metra Union Pacific North Line and Green Bay Trail) Over Winnetka Avenue in Winnetka: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Length: 73 ft. Main Span: 70 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Suburban Paving and Improvement Company of Chicago, Illinois

This unique and beautiful overpass has Indian head sculptures on its abutments.

Indiana Avenue Bridge

Indiana Avenue Over Little Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Non-Historic, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 334 ft. Main Span: 264 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1977 By: Unknown

This is one of a couple modern truss bridges on the Little Calumet River.

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Indiana Harbor Belt Grand Calumet Bridge

Railroad (Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad) Over Grand Calumet River in Burnham: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Pony Truss, Movable: Swing (Center Pier)

Main Spans: 1

Built 1907 By: Unknown

A extremely rare and unusual example of a pony truss railroad swing bridge.

Indiana Harbor Belt Sanitary and Ship Canal Bridge

Railroad (Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Summit: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 7 Panel Rivet-Connected Camelback Through Truss, Fixed

Length: 340 ft. Main Span: 176 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This bridge sticks out as unlike the other truss bridges in this area.

Jackson Boulevard Bridge

Jackson Boulevard (Historic US-66) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Strauss Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 273 ft. Main Span: 202 ft. Roadway: 37 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1915 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

A very old deck truss style bascule bridges in Chicago and associated directly with prominent engineer Joseph Strauss.

Jackson Park East Lagoon Bridge
Music Court Bridge

Park Path Over Jackson Park East Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 3

Built 1906 By: Unknown

This three span arch bridge has a rustic stone facing.

Kedzie Avenue Bridge

Kedzie Avenue Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 350 ft. Main Span: 149 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 4

Built 1970 By: Unknown

Although the structure type is simple, this bridge is somewhat unusual on this section of canal.

Kedzie Avenue Cal Sag Channel Bridge

Kedzie Avenue Over Calumet Sag Channel in Robbins: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 348 ft. Main Span: 254 ft. Roadway: 53.2 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1964 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

With a wide deck, this is one of a number of late examples of metal truss construction on the Sag Channel.

Kedzie Avenue CN Railroad Bridge
Chicago, Madison and Northern Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Canadian National, Former Chicago, Madison and Northern) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Center Pier)

Length: 479 ft. Main Span: 474 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1899 By: Toledo Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio (Former Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio)

The longest swing span in Cook County, this center-pivot swing bridge has an attractive peak at the center of its span, unlike two nearby swing bridges.

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Kedzie Avenue Marquette Park North Bridge

Kedzie Avenue Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed

Length: 54 ft. Main Span: 44 ft. Roadway: 66 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1933 By: E. J. Albrecht Company of Chicago, Illinois and H. C. Taylor

One of two beautiful concrete t-beam bridges that greatly contribute to the beauty of Marquette Park.

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Kedzie Avenue Marquette Park South Bridge

Kedzie Avenue Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed

Length: 54 ft. Main Span: 44 ft. Roadway: 66 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1933 By: E. J. Albrecht Company of Chicago, Illinois and H. C. Taylor

One of two beautiful concrete t-beam bridges that greatly contribute to the beauty of Marquette Park.

Kingery Highway Sanitary and Ship Canal Bridge

Kingery Highway (IL-83) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Sag Bridge: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 11 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Fixed

Length: 1,130 ft. Main Span: 251 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1934 By: Unknown

This is an impressive Parker truss fixed span built in the 1930s.

Kinzie Street Bridge

Kinzie Street Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 195 ft. Main Span: 136 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1909 By: John J. Gallery and City of Chicago

This unusual bascule bridge had three quarters of its superstructure replaced with new members.

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Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge
Chicago and Northwestern Railway Bridge

Railroad (Abandoned Union Pacific) Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 7 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Strauss Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Girder, Fixed

Length: 196 ft. Main Span: 170 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1907 By: Toledo-Massillon Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

A record-setting bridge when built, this bridge was a pioneer in new bascule bridge designs and technology.

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La Salle Drive Overpass

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over La Salle Drive (IL-64) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Rigid-Frame, Fixed

Length: 83 ft. Main Span: 83 ft. Roadway: 100 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Unknown

This attractive bridge was an early limited access highway structure, and being in a park setting, aesthetics were a concern.

La Salle Street Bridge
Marshall Suloway Bridge

La Salle Street Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 347 ft. Main Span: 242 ft. Roadway: 56 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1928 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

Similar to the Clark Street Bridge, this exceptionally elaborate and beautiful bridge serves a significant downtown Chicago street.

La Salle Street Overpass

La Salle Street Over Carroll Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Built By: Unknown

This structure is noteworthy as a remnant of a former tunnel in Chicago.

Lake Shore Drive Bridge
Outer Drive Bridge

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 356 ft. Main Span: 264 ft. Roadway: 80.7 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1937 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This enormous record-breaking bascule bridge carries traffic on a double-deck!

Lake Street Bridge

Lake Street and Railroad (Chicago Transit Authority "L" Green and Pink Lines) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 333 ft. Main Span: 245 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1916 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

A virtual tour of the bridge house and machinery room is available for this double-deck bascule bridge that carries CTA L trains on an upper deck.

Lake Street Des Plaines River Bridge

Lake Street (Old US-20) Over Des Plaines River in Maywood: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 225 ft. Main Span: 55 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1931 By: Unknown

Although missing original railings, this is a rare example of a concrete arch bridge in Cook County.

Laramie Avenue Bridge

Railroad (Soo Line, Metra Milwaukee District West, and Metra North Central Service) Over Laramie Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1953 By: Unknown

This grade separation is noted for its unusually attractive aesthetic detailing.

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Laramie Viaduct

Laramie Avenue Over Railroad (CSX) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 841 ft. Main Span: 55 ft. Roadway: 44.3 ft. Main Spans: 20

Built 1939 By: Morris Handler Company

This was a large, unaltered and significant example of a bridge project funded by federal Depression-era relief programs.

Lawndale Avenue Railroad Overpass
Chicago and Alton Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Canadian National) Over Lawndale Avenue in Summit: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Continuous Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 88 ft. Main Span: 30 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1903 By: Unknown

This plate girder crosses over what was once a major road in the area, but is now a little-used dead end road.

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Lawrence Avenue Overpass

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Lawrence Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 96 ft. Main Span: 56 ft. Roadway: 124 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1933 By: Unknown

This bridge is one of two similar bridges on this section of Lake Shore Drive, and both appear to have been altered.

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Lehman Bridge
5th Avenue Bridge

5th Avenue Over Silver Creek in Maywood: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 32 ft. Main Span: 29 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1929 By: Jaicks Brothers of River Forest, Illinois and H. C. Taylor

This was a small concrete slab that for its size was richly decorated in railings and plaques.

Lemont Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, Former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe) Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Lemont: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Swing (Bobtail)

Length: 399 ft. Main Span: 260 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1898 By: Keystone Bridge Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A beautiful 1898 railroad rim-bearing turntable swing bridge is one of a few of swing bridges remaining on the canal.

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Lincoln Park Passerelle
Lincoln Park Pedestrian Overpass

Pedestrian Walkway Over Lake Shore Drive (US-41) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Two-Hinged Solid Ribbed Through Arch, Fixed

Length: 268 ft. Main Span: 187 ft. Roadway: 13 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Unknown and Ralph Burke

This important WPA built bridge is not only attractive, it is an unusual design of bridge.

Linden Avenue Bridge

Linden Avenue Over North Shore Channel in Wilmette: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 144 ft. Main Span: 71 ft. Roadway: 24 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1908 By: Unknown and Sanitary District of Chicago

One of two similar nearby bridges, this structure has absolutly stunning railings.

Lion Bridge
Old Sutton Road Bridge

Sutton Road (IL-59) Abandoned Alignment Over Poplar Creek in Hoffman Estates: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 46 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1906 By: Unknown and Harry L. Emerson

An early surviving example of a concrete arch bridge and it has lion sculptures cast into the walls.

Loomis Street Bridge

Loomis Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Non-Historic, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion)

Length: 457 ft. Main Span: 213 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1974 By: Paschen Contractors of Chicago, Illinois and American Bridge Company of New York, New York and City of Chicago

This non-historic bridge is listed only for comparitive purposes and for continuity of those using this website for a river tour.

Madison Street Bridge
Lyric Opera Bridge

Madison Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 283 ft. Main Span: 221 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1922 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

The first bascule bridge in Chicago to raise the deck trusses above the deck slightly to act as guardrails.

Maple Avenue Bridge

Maple Avenue Over North Shore Channel in Wilmette: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 144 ft. Main Span: 71 ft. Roadway: 24 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1909 By: Unknown and Sanitary District of Chicago

One of two nearby through plate girders with beautiful railings.

Marquette Park Eastern Golf Course Bridge

Park Walkway Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Through Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of four attractive concrete girder bridges in Marquette Park that carries a park path.

Marquette Park North Bridge

Park Walkway Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Through Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of four attractive concrete girder bridges in Marquette Park that carries a park path.

Marquette Park Northeastern Bridge

Park Walkway Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Wood Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of two unusual Marquette Park bridges with stone abutments and a wooden span.

Marquette Park South Bridge

Park Walkway Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Through Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of four attractive concrete girder bridges in Marquette Park that carries a park path.

Marquette Park Southeastern Bridge

Park Walkway Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Wood Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of two unusual Marquette Park bridges with stone abutments and a wooden span.

Marquette Park Western Golf Course Bridge

Park Walkway Over Marquette Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Through Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of four attractive concrete girder bridges in Marquette Park that carries a park path.

Metropolitan Elevated Railroad Bridge
Paulina Connector Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Abandoned Metropolitan Elevated Railroad) Over Railroad (Metra Union Pacific West, Metra Milwaukee District West, and Union Pacific) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Pin-Connected Camelback Through Truss, Fixed

Main Span: 256 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1895 By: Unknown

A very important remnant of a former elevated railroad line.

Michigan Avenue Bridge
DuSable Bridge

Michigan Avenue Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 400 ft. Main Span: 256 ft. Roadway: 64 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1920 By: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

The most famous Chicago bascule bridge, the bridgetender houses are very ornate on this double-deck bridge.

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Michigan Avenue Railroad Overpass
St. Charles Air Line Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Canadian National, Former St. Charles Air Line) Over Michigan Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 96 ft. Main Span: 55 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1899 By: Unknown

This bridge is noted for its age, and for its use of decorative cast iron cladding and other ornamental details in its design.

Middle Bridge

Hayes Drive Over Jackson Park South Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 180 ft. Main Span: 70 ft. Roadway: 50 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1902 By: Unknown

This stone faced concrete arch bridge is an exceedingly old example of its type and a rare Melan type arch bridge.

Monroe Street Bridge

Monroe Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 271 ft. Main Span: 193 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1919 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This bridge shows the transition between the early pony truss design and the later design.

Newhall Bridge

Sheridan Road Over Ravine Number 2 in Glencoe: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 129 ft. Main Span: 44 ft. Roadway: 30 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1923 By: Unknown

One of three bridges on this section of Sheridan Road that are noted for a decorative stone arch facing.

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North Avenue Bridge

North Avenue Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 273 ft. Main Span: 173 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1907 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York and City of Chicago

One of the oldest bridges in Chicago, historic significance and beauty were not enough to save this bridge from the dumpster.

Northbrook Railroad Bridge
CChicago and North Western Railroad Bridge Number 864

Railroad (Union Pacific) Over Railroad (Metra Milwaukee District North and Canadian Pacific) in Northbrook: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 11 Panel Rivet-Connected Lattice (Quadruple Warren) Through Truss, Fixed

Length: 140 ft. Main Span: 140 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1912 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York

A beautiful lattice truss is an important part of the vast Cook County historic bridge collection .

Oakwood Boulevard Bridge

Oakwood Boulevard Over Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Continuous Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 261 ft. Main Span: 69 ft. Roadway: 50 ft. Main Spans: 4

Built 1921 By: Unknown

This bridge is the last of what was once a series of similar bridges in the area.

Ogden Avenue Bridge

Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio) Over Ogden Avenue (US-34) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 170 ft. Main Span: 36 ft. Main Spans: 6

Built By: Unknown

This was designed as a beautiful and unique railroad overpass but was defaced and ruined by painting advertisements on it.

Ohio Street Bridge

Ohio Street (I-90 / I-94 Ramp) Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 367 ft. Main Span: 219 ft. Roadway: 76 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1961 By: Unknown and City of Chicago

An attractive and impressive deck truss bascule span carries an expressway ramp.

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Orchard Place Bridge

Orchard Place Over Willow Creek in Des Plaines: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 58 ft. Main Span: 49 ft. Roadway: 16 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1915 By: Unknown

This is a small, old concrete arch bridge designed with simplicity in mind.

Penn Central Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Penn Central) and Major Taylor Trail Over Little Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 337 ft. Main Span: 272 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This railroad bridge had a rather unattractive pedestrian walkway added to it.

Randolph Street Bridge

Randolph Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Non-Historic, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 336 ft. Main Span: 213 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1984 By: Unknown and Hazelet and Erdal of Chicago, Illinoisand City of Chicago

This non-historic bridge is listed only for comparitive purposes and for continuity of those using this website for a river tour.

Ridgeland Avenue Bridge

Ridgeland Avenue Over Calumet Sag Channel in Worth: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 433 ft. Main Span: 302 ft. Roadway: 43 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1970 By: Unknown and Alfred Benesch and Associates of Chicago, Illinois

One of several truss bridges on the Cal Sag Channel that document the very final years of the riveted truss era.

Riverside Plaza Skybridge
Ogilvie Transportation Center Skybridge, Accenture Tower Skybridge

Pedestrian Walkway Over Canal Street in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Length: 125 ft. Main Span: 125 ft. Roadway: 35 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1929 By: Bass Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and F. E. Brown

This skybridge structure has been included because it includes highly visible bridge-like structures, notably heavy plate girders with hangers below that hold the walkway.

Roosevelt Road Bridge
12th Street Bridge

Roosevelt Road Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 258 ft. Main Span: 204 ft. Roadway: 71.9 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1928 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

This deck truss is similar to Ohio Street Bridge and is noted for its unique and very beautiful bridgetender buildings.

Rust Bridge

Old Willow Springs Road Over Des Plaines River in Willow Springs: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed

Length: 300 ft. Main Span: 60 ft. Roadway: 27 ft. Main Spans: 5

Built 1924 By: Hedges Construction Company and H. C. Taylor

This bypassed bridge is a fairly long example of a 1920s concrete t-beam bridge.

Sacramento Boulevard Bridge

Railroad (Baltimore and Ohio) Over Sacramento Boulevard in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Main Spans: 3

Built 1912 By: Unknown

This overpass with unique aesthetic details crosses one of the historic boulevards of Chicago.

Sheridan Road Bridge

Sheridan Road Over North Shore Channel in Wilmette: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Length: 210 ft. Main Span: 77 ft. Roadway: 46 ft. Main Spans: 5

Built 1910 By: Unknown and Carlton R. Dart

This unique bridge is an integral part of the Wilmette Pumping Station.

Sherman Park Northeast Bridge

Park Walkway Over Sherman Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of two traditional concrete arch bridges in Sherman Park.

Sherman Park Northwest Bridge

Park Walkway Over Sherman Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of two traditional concrete arch bridges in Sherman Park.

Sherman Park Southeast Bridge

Park Walkway Over Sherman Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of two rustic stone faced concrete arch bridges in Sherman Park.

Sherman Park Southwest Bridge

Park Walkway Over Sherman Park Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

One of two rustic stone faced concrete arch bridges in Sherman Park.

South Bridge (Stone Facing)
Animal Bridge

US-41 (Coast Guard Drive) Over Jackson Park South Lagoon in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 49 ft. Main Span: 47 ft. Roadway: 67.3 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1904 By: Thomas E. Hill and Peter J. Weber

The decorative stone and sculptures from an extremely rare Kahn reinforced concrete arch bridge were salvaged and placed on a replacement bridge.

Southwest Highway Bridge

Southwest Highway (IL-7) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Palos Hills: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 9 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Continuous Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 347 ft. Main Span: 216 ft. Roadway: 43.6 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1931 By: Unknown

Compared to other truss bridges in Cook County, this bridge has a relatively simple appearance for a bridge of its age.

Southwest Highway Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Norfolk Southern and Metra SouthWest Service) Over Little Calumet River in Palos Hills: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Deck Girder, Fixed

Length: 533 ft. Main Span: 280 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

This mid-20th Century truss bridge appears to be newer than the highway truss bridge it is next to.

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St. Charles Air Line Bridge
18th Street Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Canadian National) Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Single Leaf Bascule (Heel Trunnion)

Length: 220 ft. Main Span: 220 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1919 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York and Strauss Bascule Bridge Company (Strauss Engineering Company) of Chicago, Illinois

This bridge was the longest bascule bridge in the world when built, was moved once, and shortened during the move.

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St. Charles Air Line Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Canadian National) Over Dirt Trail in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 2

Built 1931 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York

This two span plate girder bridge has girders positioned to provide a slight curve for the tracks it carries.

State Street Bridge
Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge

State Street Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 307 ft. Main Span: 245 ft. Roadway: 72 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1949 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

A wide truss bascule bridge in downtown Chicago, built in the 1940s.

Steel Bridge
I-94 Little Calumet River Bridges

I-94 (Bishop Ford Freeway) Over Little Calumet River in Calumet City: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Non-Historic, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 795 ft. Main Span: 420 ft. Roadway: 52.5 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1993 By: Unknown

This pair of one-way bridges appear to be of modern construction.

Stockton Drive Armitage Avenue Underpass

Stockton Drive Over Pedestrian Walkway in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1926 By: Unknown

One of three stone faced concrete bridges on Stockton Drive in Lincoln Park.

Stockton Drive Deming Place Underpass

Stockton Drive Over Pedestrian Walkway in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1926 By: Unknown

One of three stone faced concrete bridge on Stockton Drive in Lincoln Park.

Stone Bridge

Sheridan Road Over Ravine Number 1 in Glencoe: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 191 ft. Main Span: 61 ft. Roadway: 30 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1923 By: Unknown

Standing out for its curved roadway, this is the most impressive of three similar bridges on this stretch of Sheridan Road.

Sylvan Road Bridge
Ravine Bluffs Development Bridge

Sylvan Road Over Ravine in Glencoe: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 46 ft. Main Span: 17 ft. Roadway: 15 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1984 By: Unknown and Frank Lloyd Wright

This modern bridge is worth noting because it replicates a bridge designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1915.

Techny Road Bridge
Chicago and North Western Railroad Bridge Number 866

Railroad (Union Pacific) Over Techny Road in Northbrook: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete Closed Spandrel Deck Arch, Fixed

Length: 64 ft. Main Span: 41 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1911 By: Unknown

This is an old concrete arch railroad overpass.

Torrence Avenue Calumet River Bridge
Henry Ford II Memorial Bridge

Torrence Avenue Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 16 Panel Rivet-Connected Pennsylvania Through Truss, Movable: Vertical Lift (Tower Drive) and Approach Spans: Metal Girder, Fixed

Length: 497 ft. Main Span: 276 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1938 By: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Chicago, Illinois and American Bridge Company of New York, New York and City of Chicago

This impressive bridge is one of only a couple non-bascule movable bridges that the city constructed in the 20th Century.

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Torrence Avenue Grand Calumet River Bridge

Torrence Avenue Over Grand Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 14 Panel Rivet-Connected Pennsylvania Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Pre-Stressed Concrete Adjacent Box Beam, Fixed

Length: 522 ft. Main Span: 306 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1938 By: Unknown and H. C. Taylor

This is an amazing and beautiful Pennsylvania through truss that is both massive and complex!

Torrence Avenue Railroad Bridge
Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad Bridge

Railroad (Abandoned Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad) Over Calumet River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Vertical Lift (Tower Drive)

Main Spans: 1

Built 1968 By: American Bridge Company of New York, New York

This abandoned railroad lift bridge sits next to an older highway lift bridge.

Van Buren Street Bridge

Van Buren Street Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 267 ft. Main Span: 210 ft. Roadway: 44 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1956 By: Overland Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

One of a number of remaining similarly-designed bascule bridges in Chicago.

Van Buren Street Pedestrian Bridge

Grant Park Walkway Over Railroad (Metra Electric District, NICTD South Shore Line, Former Illinois Central) in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal (Concrete Encased) Deck Girder, Fixed

Main Spans: 3

Built By: Unknown

This attractive bridge allows pedestrians to cross over the railroad line that runs through and under the park.

Wabash Avenue Bridge
Irv Kupcinet Bridge

Wabash Avenue Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Railing Height Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 345 ft. Main Span: 269 ft. Roadway: 57 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1930 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

An excellent early example of one of Chicago's unusual deck truss bascule bridges.

Washington Boulevard Bridge

Washington Boulevard Over South Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 304 ft. Main Span: 197 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1913 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

An impressive example of the early pony truss bascule design.

Webster Avenue Bridge

Webster Avenue Over North Branch Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Pony Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 287 ft. Main Span: 189 ft. Roadway: 36 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1916 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

Among the northernmost of the Chicago bascule bridges, this one is also an older example.

Wells Street Bridge

Wells Street and Railroad (Chicago Transit Authority "L" Brown and Purple Lines) Over Chicago River in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 345 ft. Main Span: 268 ft. Roadway: 38 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1922 By: Ketler-Elliott Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

One of the most impressive bridges in Chicago is this massive double-deck truss bascule bridge.

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Western Avenue Bridge

Western Avenue Over Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Through Girder, Movable: Vertical Lift (Tower Drive) and Approach Spans: Metal Through Girder, Fixed

Length: 295 ft. Main Span: 109 ft. Roadway: 107.3 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1940 By: Strobel Steel Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois and City of Chicago

Looking like a fixed plate girder today, this was once a mighty vertical lift bridge, before the towers were removed.

Western Avenue Calumet Sag Channel Bridge

Western Avenue Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 10 Panel Bolt-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Pre-Stressed Concrete Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 1,123 ft. Main Span: 246 ft. Roadway: 53.2 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1966 By: Unknown and Sverdrup and Parcel of St. Louis, Missouri

This is a very wide example of a truss bridge with two truss lines.

Western Avenue Calumet Sag Channel Railroad Bridges

Railroad (Metra Rock Island District) Over Calumet Sag Channel in Blue Island: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 12 Panel Rivet-Connected Polygonal Warren Through Truss, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built By: Unknown

A pair of similar bridges, one a single track bridge and the other a double track bridge.

Western Avenue Railroad Overpass

Railroad (Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway) Over Western Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed

Length: 233 ft. Main Spans: 4

Built By: Unknown

A beautiful example of art deco design in a railroad overpass.

Willow Road Bridge

Willow Road Over Middle Fork of North Branch Chicago River in Northfield: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed

Length: 47 ft. Main Span: 44 ft. Roadway: 48 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1941 By: Superior Concrete Construction Company

This bridge is a beautiful example of a bridge with Streamline Moderne design.

Wilson Avenue Bridge

Wilson Avenue Over North Shore Channel in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Continuous Deck Girder, Fixed

Length: 210 ft. Main Span: 99 ft. Roadway: 25.3 ft. Main Spans: 3

Built 1913 By: Nash-Dowdle Company of Chicago, Illinois

A well-preserved deck plate girder with a center suspended span designed to allow for it to be lifted out for boats in rare circumstances.

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Wilson Avenue Overpass

Lake Shore Drive (US-41) Over Wilson Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete T-Beam, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 96 ft. Main Span: 56 ft. Roadway: 106 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1933 By: Unknown

This bridge is one of two similar bridges on this section of Lake Shore Drive, and both appear to have been altered.

Winnetka Road Bridge

Winnetka Road Over Skokie River in Northfield: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Concrete (Stone Faced) T-Beam, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Length: 73 ft. Main Span: 20 ft. Roadway: 26 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1935 By: Unknown

This bridge is a concrete structure with a decorative stone arch facade on the sides.

Wrightwood Avenue Bridge

Railroad (Soo Line, Metra Milwaukee District North) Over Wrightwood Avenue in Chicago: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Slab, Fixed

Main Spans: 1

Built 1939 By: Northern Bridge Company of Chicago, Illinois and Arthur Engh

This grade separation is noted for its attractive aesthetic detailing and association with the Public Works Administration

Yellow Line Bridge
Skokie Swift Bridge

Railroad (Chicago Transit Authority Over North Shore Channel and McCormick Boulevard in Skokie and Evanston: Cook County, Illinois, United States

Metal 8 Panel Rivet-Connected Double-Intersection Warren Deck Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal 8 Panel Rivet-Connected Pratt Full-Slope Pony Truss, Fixed

Length: 835 ft. Main Span: 130 ft. Main Spans: 1

Built 1925 By: Unknown

This bridge contains a variety of spans but its double-warren deck truss is locally rare.

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