Lake Street Bridge

Lake Street Bridge is a double-deck railway viaduct in Chicago that carries trains on the upper level and vehicles on the lower level across the South Branch of the Chicago River. The structure uses a metal truss design with riveted connections throughout its length.

The current bridge was built in 1916 to replace an earlier iron swing bridge from 1886, which itself succeeded a ferry crossing that operated at this location. The decision to build this new structure reflected the city's need for more efficient river crossings.

The bridge demonstrates how trains and vehicles share the same structure, a sight that shapes how people experience crossing the river in the city center. This arrangement reflects how transportation networks were woven into urban life rather than kept separate.

The bridge is accessible from nearby sidewalks and offers views of the river and downtown skyline. Keep in mind that trains pass regularly and traffic on the lower deck can be noisy.

The old swing bridge continued operating during construction of the new structure around 1916, allowing traffic to flow without interruption. This feat demonstrated the technical skill of engineers who managed to keep the previous bridge functioning while building its replacement.

GPS coordinates: 41.88572,-87.63769

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44