Located immediately east of the S. Kedzie Avenue bridge, this large swing bridge crosses the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal.
Built during 1899-1900, this bridge and the canal are a feat of engineering. The bridge features a massive swing bridge, constructed out of a pair of 7-panel pin connected Through Trusses. These trusses are joined with a large tower, set onto a swing pier. The substructures on this bridge are constructed of stone masonry, although the center pier and east abutment have since been encased with concrete.
In addition, the bridge was built for two tracks. Constructed by the Toledo Bridge Company, this is one of the only known examples of railroad structures completed by them. McArthur Brothers and Winston & Company completed the substructure work. The portals are a simple x-frame design and the endposts are laced. Currently, the bridge has been bolted into a locked position.
Initially, the bridge was constructed at a cost of about $110,600 and weighed 2,511,140 pounds.
The canal below is a massive feat of engineering. A canal was built to divert Lake Michigan, and to supply a means of sewage disposal. It was completed by 1900, and forever altered waterways in the Chicago area.
This structure is similar to many others along the canal. Almost all of the original swing bridge structures remain today.
Overall, the condition of the bridge is unknown, as the author could not access the bridge up close. However, the bridge appears to be sturdy.
The author has ranked the bridge as being highly significant, due to the swing bridge design and older age. This bridge is among the most significant in Chicago.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | Eight Track Bridge |
| Downstream | Abandoned Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal Bridge |