Kinzie Street Bridge, Movable bridge in Downtown Chicago, United States.
Description
Kinzie Street Bridge is a movable crossing over the north branch of the Chicago River built with a steel framework and powered lifting mechanism. The structure carries traffic across four lanes and rises to allow river vessels to pass underneath.
History
Completed in 1909, this structure represented a major step forward in movable bridge technology at the time. Its designers created one of the most effective bascule systems used in urban river crossings.
Culture
The bridge carries the name of John Kinzie, an early settler who shaped Chicago's growth during the 1800s. It has become a familiar landmark in the heart of downtown, drawing daily commuters and visitors exploring the riverfront.
Practical
Visitors can cross on foot or by car and enjoy open views of the river and surrounding waterfront areas from above. Clear days are ideal for pausing briefly to watch the engineering at work and river traffic below.
Did you know?
In 1992, repairs to the bridge's foundation accidentally damaged an underground freight tunnel, which caused massive flooding throughout Chicago's Loop neighborhood. This incident remains one of the most striking modern events in the city's history.
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