Wabash Avenue Bridge

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Wabash Avenue Bridge
Wabash Avenue Bridge Undated NPS.jpg
The bridge in 1999
Coordinates 41°53′17″N87°37′37″W / 41.887924°N 87.626839°W / 41.887924; -87.626839
CarriesAutomobiles
Pedestrians
Crosses Chicago River
Locale Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Official name Irv Kupcinet Bridge
Other name(s)Wabash Avenue Bridge
Maintained by Chicago Department of Transportation
ID number 000016605226647
Characteristics
DesignDouble-leaf bascule bridge
Total length345 feet (105 m)
Width90 feet (27 m)
Longest span232 feet (71 m)
No. of spans3
Clearance below 22 feet (7 m)
History
DesignerThomas Pihlfeldt
Opened1930
Statistics
Daily traffic 5,800 [1]
Location
Wabash Avenue Bridge

The Wabash Avenue Bridge (officially, Irv Kupcinet Bridge) over the Chicago River was built in 1930. Standing west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and east of Marina City, the bascule bridge connects the Near North Side with "The Loop" area.

Contents

The single-deck, double-leaf bascule bridge was designed by Thomas Pihlfeldt and built by the Ketler and Elliot Company. [2] The American Institute of Steel Construction awarded it the "Most Beautiful" bridge in 1930. [2]

The control houses for controlling bridge operations are on the northwest and southwest corners of the bridge. The control houses are identical in design. In 1961 the control houses were upgraded to allow single man operation. Electrical modernization also accompanied this upgrade. While the northern control house is no longer in use, it still stands. [2]

Wabash Avenue Bridge at night Wabash Avenue Bridge 090516.JPG
Wabash Avenue Bridge at night

See also

References

  1. "NBI Structure Number: 000016605226647" . Retrieved May 18, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 3 National Park Service. "Historic American Engineering Record" . Retrieved May 18, 2009.