Dearborn Street Bridge

The Dearborn Street Bridge is a road bridge in Chicago that spans the Chicago River and connects the Near North Side with the Loop district. Its steel structure includes a bascule mechanism that lifts to allow boats and ships to pass underneath.

The original bridge at this location was built in 1834 when Chicago was still a small settlement. It served as a crucial crossing point for the growing town during its earliest years.

The bridge connects two different parts of the city with contrasting characters. On one side lies the residential and commercial Near North Side, while on the other stretches the downtown Loop with its towering buildings and bustling streets.

The bridge serves both vehicle and pedestrian traffic across the river. Visitors should be aware that the bascule mechanism operates periodically, which can cause temporary delays for both cars and walkers.

The bridge received an award from the American Institute of Steel Construction in 1963 for its movable span design. This recognition highlights the engineering skill that went into creating its lifting mechanism.

Location: Illinois

Official opening: 1962

GPS coordinates: 41.88750,-87.62950

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00