View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge is one of two nearly identical bridges that carry Kedzie Avenue over the lagoon system that winds through the park. Kedzie Avenue travels right through the middle of Marquette Park, and as a result these bridges form something of a centerpiece for the park. These reinforced concrete t-beam bridges are beautifully formed with substantial architectural detailing on both the railing system, abutments, and the outside faces of the superstructure. Two different bronze plaques are present on on each bridge. One details the county personnel involved in the construction of the bridge while the other plaque focuses on the engineers and contractors involved with the bridge. The historic integrity of these bridges appears to be excellent with no major alterations to the structural design or the architectural detailing present.
Despite the historic and aesthetic significance of the Kedzie Avenue Bridges, both are slated for demolition and replacement. This is extremely disappointing since it will eliminate the beauty and continuity currently seen in Marquette Park where all existing bridges appear to have at least some level of historic value. The consultant claims that the architectural features of the existing bridges will be "maintained." While replicating historic and architectural features of a historic bridge may be an acceptable route if the bridge in question is truly beyond repair, it is not apparent that these bridges have deteriorated to this point. In addition, it is doubtful that the reinforced concrete t-beam structure type will be replicated. Some sort of pre-stressed concrete box beam bridge is more likely. The idea of a historic bridge is that it is old and maintains some level of its original design and materials. The idea of preservation is to improve the physical condition of a bridge while attempting to maintain as much original material and design as possible. It is unfortunate that this type of rehabilitation has not been selected for these bridges.
Below is the text regarding the replacement project appearing on the Infrastructure Engineering website.
Infrastructure Engineering, Inc., as a prime consultant, is providing structural and civil engineering services for the superstructure replacement and repairs of two bridges on Kedzie Avenue over the lagoons in historic Marquette Park. The final design will recognize the historic nature of the area and maintain the architectural features of the existing bridges while improving the safety for the public. IEI will provide engineering services to complete construction documents including structural, roadway and erosion control plans. IEI will also inspect and replace the superstructure.
A video of the demolition and replacement was produced by the Chicago DOT and is available at YouTube here, or an archived version is here for download.
|
County Plaque BUILT 1933 BYBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COOK COUNTY PRESIDENT EMMETT WHEALAN ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE
|
Construction Plaque KEDZIE AVENUEMARQUETTE PARK NORTH BRIDGE SECTION 053 - 2121 - M.F.T. STATE AID ROUTE 53 COOK COUNTY BUILT 1933 E. J. ALBRECHT CO. CONTRACTOR H. C. TAYLOR BRIDGE ENGINEER GEORGE A. QUINLAN SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS |
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 extensive coverage of historic Chicago bridges on the Internet.
General Chicago / Cook County Bridge Resources
Chicago's Bridges - By Nathan Holth, author of HistoricBridges.org, this book provides a discussion of the history of Chicago's movable bridges, and includes a virtual tour discussing all movable bridges remaining in Chicago today. Despite this broad coverage, the book is presented in a compact format that is easy to take with you and carry around for reference on a visit to Chicago. The book includes dozens of full color photos. Only $9.95 U.S! ($11.95 Canadian). Order Now Direct From The Publisher! or order on Amazon.
Chicago River Bridges - By Patrick T. McBriarty, this is a great companion to Holth's book shown above. This much larger book offers an extremely in-depth exploration of Chicago's movable highway bridges, including many crossings that have not existed for many years. Order Now Direct From The Publisher! or order on Amazon.
View Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Overview of Chicago Bascule Bridges (HAER Data Pages, PDF)
Chicago Loop Bridges - Chicago Loop Bridges is another website on the Internet that is a great companion to the HistoricBridges.org coverage of the 18 movable bridges within the Chicago Loop. This website includes additional information such as connections to popular culture, overview discussions and essays about Chicago's movable bridges, additional videos, and current news and events relating to the bridges.
Additional Online Articles and Resources - This page is a large gathering of interesting articles and resources that HistoricBridges.org has uncovered during research, but which were not specific to a particular bridge listing.
This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
Search For Additional Bridge Listings:
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
