Michigan Avenue Bridge, Double-deck bascule bridge in downtown Chicago, United States
The Michigan Avenue Bridge spans the Chicago River with two levels for vehicles and pedestrians, featuring massive steel trusses and limestone bridgehouses.
The bridge opened on May 14, 1920, as part of Daniel Burnham's ambitious 1909 plan to connect Chicago's north and south sides through a grand boulevard.
Four limestone bridgehouses display carved reliefs depicting major events from Chicago's history, including the arrival of explorers and early pioneers.
The bridge lifts approximately 40 times annually for water traffic, with public viewing opportunities available at the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum.
The 4,100-ton bridge leaf and 12,000-ton counterweight system requires only a 108-horsepower motor to operate each section of the bridge.
Location: Chicago
Official opening: May 14, 1920
Length: 122 m
Longest Span: 78 m
GPS coordinates: 41.88886,-87.62436
Latest update: May 13, 2025 12:44
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