HistoricBridges.org Bridge Locator

Nearby Bridges: 134
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California Avenue C and WI Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 0 Miles (0 Kilometers)

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.

California Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.1 Miles (0.1 Kilometers)

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 AT and SF Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.2 Miles (0.3 Kilometers)

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.

31st Street Railroad Overpass West
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.4 Miles (0.7 Kilometers)

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.

Chicago and Illinois Western Railway Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.5 Miles (0.7 Kilometers)

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.

Eight Track Bridge
Western Avenue Railroad Bridges 'Scissors Bridges'
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.5 Miles (0.8 Kilometers)

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.

31st Street Railroad Overpass East
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.5 Miles (0.8 Kilometers)

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.

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

Rough Distance: 0.5 Miles (0.8 Kilometers)

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.

Western Avenue Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.6 Miles (1 Kilometers)

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.

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Western Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.6 Miles (1 Kilometers)

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.

Kedzie Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 0.7 Miles (1.1 Kilometers)

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.

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

Rough Distance: 1.3 Miles (2.1 Kilometers)

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.

Burkhardt Drive Bridge
Boulder Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 1.7 Miles (2.7 Kilometers)

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.

Ogden Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 1.8 Miles (2.8 Kilometers)

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.

Douglas Park Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 1.8 Miles (2.9 Kilometers)

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.

Ashland Avenue Sanitary and Ship Canal Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 1.9 Miles (3.1 Kilometers)

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.

Chicago and Alton Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 1.9 Miles (3.1 Kilometers)

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.

Sacramento Boulevard Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 2.1 Miles (3.3 Kilometers)

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.

Loomis Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 2.2 Miles (3.6 Kilometers)

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.

Independence Boulevard Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 2.5 Miles (4.1 Kilometers)

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.

Cicero Avenue Railroad Bridge
Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 2.9 Miles (4.6 Kilometers)

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.

Halsted Street South Branch Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.1 Miles (5 Kilometers)

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.

Cicero Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.2 Miles (5.1 Kilometers)

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.

Garfield Park Footbridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.2 Miles (5.1 Kilometers)

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.

47th Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.2 Miles (5.2 Kilometers)

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.

Sherman Park Northwest Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.3 Miles (5.3 Kilometers)

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 Southwest Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.4 Miles (5.4 Kilometers)

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 Northeast Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.4 Miles (5.5 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.5 Miles (5.7 Kilometers)

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.

Cermak Road Bridge
22nd Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.5 Miles (5.7 Kilometers)

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.

Metropolitan Elevated Railroad Bridge
Paulina Connector Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.6 Miles (5.8 Kilometers)

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.

Canal Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.7 Miles (5.9 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 3.8 Miles (6.1 Kilometers)

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.

18th Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4 Miles (6.4 Kilometers)

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.

Baltimore and Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4 Miles (6.5 Kilometers)

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.

St. Charles Air Line Bridge
18th Street Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.1 Miles (6.5 Kilometers)

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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Kedzie Avenue Marquette Park North Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.1 Miles (6.6 Kilometers)

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.

Marquette Park North Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.1 Miles (6.7 Kilometers)

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.

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St. Charles Air Line Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.1 Miles (6.7 Kilometers)

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.

Marquette Park Eastern Golf Course Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.1 Miles (6.7 Kilometers)

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.

Cermak Road Railroad Overpass
Chinatown Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.1 Miles (6.7 Kilometers)

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.

Marquette Park Northeastern Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.2 Miles (6.7 Kilometers)

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.

Roosevelt Road Bridge
12th Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.2 Miles (6.8 Kilometers)

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.

Marquette Park Western Golf Course Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.2 Miles (6.8 Kilometers)

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.

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Laramie Viaduct
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.2 Miles (6.8 Kilometers)

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.

Marquette Park Southeastern Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.3 Miles (6.9 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7 Kilometers)

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.

Harrison Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7 Kilometers)

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.

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

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7 Kilometers)

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.

Van Buren Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7 Kilometers)

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.

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Kedzie Avenue Marquette Park South Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7.1 Kilometers)

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.

Jackson Boulevard Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7.1 Kilometers)

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.

Adams Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.4 Miles (7.2 Kilometers)

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.

Riverside Plaza Skybridge
Ogilvie Transportation Center Skybridge, Accenture Tower Skybridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.5 Miles (7.2 Kilometers)

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.

Monroe Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.5 Miles (7.2 Kilometers)

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.

Madison Street Bridge
Lyric Opera Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.5 Miles (7.3 Kilometers)

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.

Washington Boulevard Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.6 Miles (7.4 Kilometers)

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.

Randolph Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.6 Miles (7.5 Kilometers)

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.

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Michigan Avenue Railroad Overpass
St. Charles Air Line Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.7 Miles (7.5 Kilometers)

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.

Lake Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.7 Miles (7.5 Kilometers)

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.

Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge
Chicago and Northwestern Railway Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.8 Miles (7.7 Kilometers)

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.

Kinzie Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.8 Miles (7.7 Kilometers)

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.

Grand Avenue Bridge
Indiana Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.8 Miles (7.7 Kilometers)

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.

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Division Street North Branch Bridge
Charles Levy Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.8 Miles (7.7 Kilometers)

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.

Ohio Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.8 Miles (7.8 Kilometers)

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.

Halsted Street North Branch Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.8 Miles (7.8 Kilometers)

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.

Franklin Street Bridge
Franklin-Orleans Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.9 Miles (7.8 Kilometers)

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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Chicago Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 4.9 Miles (7.9 Kilometers)

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.

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

Rough Distance: 4.9 Miles (8 Kilometers)

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.

Wells Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5 Miles (8 Kilometers)

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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Halsted Street North Branch Canal Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5 Miles (8.1 Kilometers)

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.

La Salle Street Bridge
Marshall Suloway Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5 Miles (8.1 Kilometers)

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

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Division Street North Branch Canal Bridge
Division Street Eastern Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5 Miles (8.1 Kilometers)

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.

Damen Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.1 Miles (8.1 Kilometers)

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.

La Salle Street Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.1 Miles (8.2 Kilometers)

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.

Harrison Street Pedestrian Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.1 Miles (8.2 Kilometers)

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.

Clark Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.1 Miles (8.2 Kilometers)

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.

Van Buren Street Pedestrian Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.2 Miles (8.3 Kilometers)

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.

Dearborn Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.2 Miles (8.3 Kilometers)

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.

Chicago Transit Authority "L" System
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.2 Miles (8.3 Kilometers)

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.

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North Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.2 Miles (8.4 Kilometers)

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.

Cherry Avenue Bridge
Bridge Number Z-2
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.2 Miles (8.4 Kilometers)

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.

State Street Bridge
Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.3 Miles (8.4 Kilometers)

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.

Clybourn Station Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.3 Miles (8.5 Kilometers)

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.

Wabash Avenue Bridge
Irv Kupcinet Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.3 Miles (8.6 Kilometers)

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.

Bridge Z-6
Milwaukee Road Bloomingdale Line Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.3 Miles (8.6 Kilometers)

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.

Cortland Street Bridge
West Clybourn Place Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.4 Miles (8.7 Kilometers)

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!

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Ford City Drive Bridge
Keller Drive Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.4 Miles (8.7 Kilometers)

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.

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35th Street Pedestrian Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.5 Miles (8.8 Kilometers)

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.

Michigan Avenue Bridge
DuSable Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.5 Miles (8.8 Kilometers)

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.

Webster Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.6 Miles (9 Kilometers)

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.

Deering Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.6 Miles (9 Kilometers)

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.

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Ashland Avenue North Branch Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.6 Miles (9 Kilometers)

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.

Columbus Drive Bridge
William P. Fahey Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.7 Miles (9.1 Kilometers)

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.

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Fullerton Avenue Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.7 Miles (9.2 Kilometers)

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.

Oakwood Boulevard Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 5.8 Miles (9.4 Kilometers)

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.

Lake Shore Drive Bridge
Outer Drive Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6 Miles (9.6 Kilometers)

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!

Harlem Avenue Railroad Bridge
Santa Fe Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.1 Miles (9.8 Kilometers)

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.

Wrightwood Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.1 Miles (9.8 Kilometers)

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

Laramie Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.2 Miles (10 Kilometers)

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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43rd Street Pedestrian Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.2 Miles (10 Kilometers)

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.

Stockton Drive Armitage Avenue Underpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.4 Miles (10.3 Kilometers)

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.

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La Salle Drive Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.4 Miles (10.3 Kilometers)

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.

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Lincoln Park Passerelle
Lincoln Park Pedestrian Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.5 Miles (10.4 Kilometers)

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.

47th Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.6 Miles (10.7 Kilometers)

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.

Stockton Drive Deming Place Underpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.8 Miles (10.9 Kilometers)

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.

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Fullerton Parkway Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.8 Miles (11 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 6.9 Miles (11 Kilometers)

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.

Harlem Avenue Bridges
HSR

Rough Distance: 7 Miles (11.3 Kilometers)

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.

51st Street Bridge
Hyde Park Boulevard Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7 Miles (11.3 Kilometers)

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.

Austin Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.1 Miles (11.4 Kilometers)

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.

53rd Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.1 Miles (11.4 Kilometers)

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.

Diversey Harbor Inlet Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.2 Miles (11.5 Kilometers)

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.

55th Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.2 Miles (11.5 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.2 Miles (11.6 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.2 Miles (11.6 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.3 Miles (11.7 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.3 Miles (11.7 Kilometers)

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.

Barry Avenue Underpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.3 Miles (11.8 Kilometers)

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
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.4 Miles (11.9 Kilometers)

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.

Clarence Darrow Memorial Bridge
North Pond Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.6 Miles (12.2 Kilometers)

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.

Caldwell Bridge
H. Wallace Caldwell Memorial Bridge, Swinging Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.7 Miles (12.3 Kilometers)

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.

Jackson Park East Lagoon Bridge
Music Court Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.7 Miles (12.4 Kilometers)

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.

Lawndale Avenue Railroad Overpass
Chicago and Alton Railroad Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 7.8 Miles (12.5 Kilometers)

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.

Wilson Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 8 Miles (12.9 Kilometers)

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.

Middle Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 8 Miles (12.9 Kilometers)

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.

South Bridge (Stone Facing)
Animal Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 8.3 Miles (13.4 Kilometers)

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.

Bernard Street Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 8.5 Miles (13.7 Kilometers)

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.

!
Wilson Avenue Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 8.6 Miles (13.8 Kilometers)

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.

Indiana Harbor Belt Sanitary and Ship Canal Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 8.8 Miles (14.1 Kilometers)

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.

!
Lawrence Avenue Overpass
HSR

Rough Distance: 8.8 Miles (14.1 Kilometers)

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.

Lake Street Des Plaines River Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 9.2 Miles (14.7 Kilometers)

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.

Des Plaines River Soo Line Railroad Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 9.5 Miles (15.3 Kilometers)

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.

!
Lehman Bridge
5th Avenue Bridge
HSR

Rough Distance: 9.8 Miles (15.8 Kilometers)

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.

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.

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