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This bridge is very similar to the Sag Bridge on Kingery Highway. Like that bridge, this Torrence Avenue bridge is an amazingly complex truss bridge. Any truss bridge is complex, but this bridge utilizes the Pennsylvania truss configuration, which is among the more complex configurations. Moreover, there is a very extensive bracing network composing this bridge. The portal bracing itself is massive, and in between extensive lateral and sway bracing fills in the gap. There is extensive lattice present on the riveted built-up steel beams that compose the bridge which only further adds to the complexity of the bridge. The bridge retains original lattice railings on the cantilevered sidewalks, original floorbeams, and original deck stringers and the trusses appear to be essentially unaltered making the historic integrity of the truss excellent. The approach spans to the bridge have been replaced with pre-stressed concrete spans. The replacement of these approach spans does not diminish the historic and technological significance of the truss span which is individually significant as a long span example and unaltered example of its type. The bridge stands out as one of the most significant fixed truss bridges in Cook County's large collection of historic bridges. It is also one of the most beautiful structural works of art in the city, the beauty of the bridge derived solely from the functional superstructure and not from any architectural treatment or adornment. This is a truss bridge that clearly exhibits why a historic truss bridge has a beautiful geometric art found in no other bridge type and also not found in any modern truss bridge, which would be far more plain and simplistic in design. The maintenance and preservation of this bridge is essential.
As originally built, the bridge had four simply spanning t-beam spans for approach spans. In 1970, these were replaced with pre-stressed concrete box beams. At that time, the deck of the truss span was also replaced. Additional repairs occurred in 1995 which included concrete repair of the substructure. A portion of the truss was cleaned and painted in 1997. The bridge sits on concrete piers and abutments that are built on a timber pile foundation.
The structural rating of the deck and superstructure for this bridge dropped dramatically in 2009. However the reality is that the drop was not because of the historic truss, it was due to the 1970 approach spans which had deteriorated and apparently were demonstrating that modern bridges may not be as durable and long-lived as historic bridges like the main truss span. The approach span superstructures will likely need to be replaced once again. On the other hand, the historic truss span remains in decent condition, however the time to make some repairs, especially to the lower part of the bridge where winter deicing salt has taken a toll has come. Additionally, the bridge would benefit greatly from a repainting at this time. If paint is maintained on a historic truss bridge, and the bridge is not overloaded, the bridge will not deteriorate and should offer centuries of service. Choosing to make repairs to the truss sooner rather than later will keep costs down, and reduce the amount of repairs and alterations needed for the historic bridge. At this time, rehabilitating this historic bridge would be drastically less expensive than demolition and replacement.
It is also worth noting that this bridge is owned and maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation. It is right on the edge of Chicago city limits, and has been sporting a white paint job like Chicago used to use on its bridges, but is a state owned bridge. Originally, this was a bridge built and owned by the county. The bridge had standard Cook County plaques, but these appear to have been removed or stolen. The original plans for the bridge had a draft for the plaques, so much of the information the plaques conveyed was recovered as shown on this page.
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Main Plaque (Draft As Sketched In Plans) TORRENCE AVENUE BRIDGEOVER LITTLE CALUMET RIVER SECTION STATE AID ROUTE COOK COUNTY BUILT 193 NAME OF CONTRACTOR CONTRACTOR H. C. TAYLOR BRIDGE ENGINEER GEORGE A. QUINLAN SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS |
County Plaque (Draft As Sketched In Plans) BUILT 193 BYBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COOK COUNTY PRESIDENT CLAYTON F. SMITH ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE
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Rehabilitation Plaque STATION 21 + 26.71LITTLE CALUMET RIVER REBUILT 1970 BY COOK COUNTY SEC. 1112.1 - 15D - Z - BR LOADING HS 20 |
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This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
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