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| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date and Builder/Engineer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X |
Kedzie Avenue Marquette Park South Bridge
| Kedzie Avenue Over Marquette Park Lagoon | Chicago: Cook County, Illinois | Concrete T-Beam, Fixed | 1933 By Builder/Contractor: E. J. Albrecht Company of Chicago, Illinois and Engineer/Design: H. C. Taylor |
| Technical Facts |
| Main Span Length | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | NBI Number |
| 44 Feet (13.4 Meters) | 54 Feet (16.5 Meters) | 66 Feet (20.1 Meters) | 1 | 16076004380 |
This bridge is one of two nearly identical bridges that carry
Kedzie Avenue over the lagoon system that winds through the park. Kedzie Avenue
travels right through the middle of Marquette Park, and as a result these
bridges form something of a centerpiece for the park. These reinforced concrete
t-beam bridges are beautifully formed with substantial architectural detailing
on both the railing system, abutments, and the outside faces of the
superstructure. Two different bronze plaques are present on on each bridge. One
details the county personnel involved in the construction of the bridge while
the other plaque focuses on the engineers and contractors involved with the
bridge. The historic integrity of these bridges appears to be excellent with no
major alterations to the structural design or the architectural detailing
present.
Although both bridges were built at the exact same time, this southern bridge appears to be in poorer structural condition. It has been reduced to two lane which travel only on the eastern side of the bridge, likely as a result of this deterioration.
Despite the historic and aesthetic significance of the Kedzie Avenue Bridges, both are slated for demolition and replacement. This is extremely disappointing since it will eliminate the beauty and continuity currently seen in Marquette Park where all existing bridges appear to have at least some level of historic value. The consultant claims that the architectural features of the existing bridges will be "maintained." While replicating historic and architectural features of a historic bridge may be an acceptable route if the bridge in question is truly beyond repair, it is not apparent that these bridges have deteriorated to this point. In addition, it is doubtful that the reinforced concrete t-beam structure type will be replicated. Some sort of pre-stressed concrete box beam bridge is more likely. The idea of a historic bridge is that it is old and maintains some level of its original design and materials. The idea of preservation is to improve the physical condition of a bridge while attempting to maintain as much original material and design as possible. It is unfortunate that this type of rehabilitation has not been selected for these bridges.
Below is the text regarding the replacement project appearing on the Infrastructure Engineering website.
Infrastructure Engineering, Inc., as a prime consultant, is providing structural and civil engineering services for the superstructure replacement and repairs of two bridges on Kedzie Avenue over the lagoons in historic Marquette Park. The final design will recognize the historic nature of the area and maintain the architectural features of the existing bridges while improving the safety for the public. IEI will provide engineering services to complete construction documents including structural, roadway and erosion control plans. IEI will also inspect and replace the superstructure.
A video of the demolition and replacement was produced by the Chicago DOT and is available at YouTube here, or an archived version is here for download.
Daniel Ryan, listed as a member of the road and bridge committee on the plaque for this bridge, later became President of the Board of County Commissioners.
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County Plaque BUILT 1933 BYBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COOK COUNTY PRESIDENT EMMETT WHEALAN ROAD AND BRIDGE COMMITTEE
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Construction Plaque KEDZIE AVENUEMARQUETTE PARK SOUTH BRIDGE SECTION 053 - 2121 - M.F.T. STATE AID ROUTE 53 COOK COUNTY BUILT 1933 E. J. ALBRECHT CO. CONTRACTOR H. C. TAYLOR BRIDGE ENGINEER GEORGE A. QUINLAN SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS |
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Historic Bridges of Chicago and Cook CountyBrowse Bridges In Google MapsThis special map has bridge markers colored by bridge movable type. Complete Bridge List |
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Chicago and Cook County are home to one of the largest collections of historic bridges in the country, and no other city in the world has more movable bridges. HistoricBridges.org is proud to offer the most extensive coverage of historic Chicago bridges on the Internet.
Chicago / Cook County Bridge NewsMay 15, 2013 - The Ashland Avenue Bridge over North Branch Chicago River has been recommended for Chicago Landmark designation by the Chicago Art Deco Society.
April 30, 2013 - Illinois Landmarks has included Chicago's Bascule Bridges as one of their Top 10 Most Endangered Historic Places. View The Official Page.
April, 2013 - The replacement of the outer trusses of the northern Wells Street Bridge bascule leaf is underway. The outer trusses of the southern bascule leaf has already been completed.
April 2013 - Spring Bridge Lifts Are Ongoing! The bridge lift schedule is available here.
Washington Boulevard Bridge - This bridge celebrates its 100th Anniversary on May 26, 1913! Click Here To View A Commemoration Article By ChicagoLoopBridges.com! (Alternate PDF Format)
General Chicago / Cook County Bridge ResourcesChicago's Bridges - By Nathan Holth, author of HistoricBridges.org, this book provides a discussion of the history of Chicago's movable bridges, and includes a virtual tour discussing all movable bridges remaining in Chicago today. The book includes dozens of full color photos. Only $9.95 U.S! ($11.95 Canadian). Order Now Direct From The Publisher!
View Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Overview of Chicago Bascule Bridges (HAER Data Pages, PDF)
Chicago Loop Bridges - Chicago Loop Bridges is another website on the Internet that is a great companion to the HistoricBridges.org coverage of the 18 movable bridges within the Chicago Loop. This website includes additional information such as connections to popular culture, overview discussions and essays about Chicago's movable bridges, additional videos, and current news and events relating to the bridges.
Additional Online Articles and Resources - This page is a large gathering of interesting articles and resources that HistoricBridges.org has uncovered during research, but which were not specific to a particular bridge listing.
Click on a thumbnail or gallery name below to visit that particular photo gallery. If videos are available, click on a video name to view and/or download that particular video.
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Bridge Photo-Documentation
Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of overview and detail photos. For the best visual immersion and full detail, or for use as a desktop background, this gallery presents the photos for this bridge in the original digital camera resolution. |
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Bridge Photo-Documentation
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A collection of overview and detail photos. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem
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