Cortland Street Drawbridge
Cortland Street Drawbridge, Steel bascule bridge in Chicago, United States
The Cortland Street Drawbridge spans the Chicago River with two sections that lift using counterweights mounted on trunnion bearings for river traffic passage.
Constructed in 1902 under Mayor Carter Harrison Jr, this bridge established a new standard as the first Chicago-style fixed-trunnion bascule bridge in the United States.
The bridge structure represents early 20th-century engineering excellence and influenced the design of more than 50 similar bridges throughout Chicago.
Located at 1440 West Cortland Street, the bridge maintains two-way vehicle lanes and separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Chicago River.
The bridge retains its original mechanical components, though the lifting mechanism remains inactive with both sections permanently secured together.
Location: Illinois
Official opening: 1902
Made from material: steel
GPS coordinates: 41.91700,-87.66400
Latest update: November 28, 2025 14:29
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