Home

Michigan Avenue Bridge

DuSable Bridge

   

Advertisements:

Promotions:   Chicago's Bridges   By Nathan Holth, author of HistoricBridges.org, this book provides a discussion of the history and virtual tour of Chicago's movable bridges. Dozens of photos.   Available Now Direct From The Publisher! The 5th Annual Historic Bridge Weekend will be held in Iowa and organized by The BridgeHunter's Chronicles this year from August 9th through the 11th. Details are available here.

Bridge Documented: August 12, 2006 - September 2011

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

View Photos and Videos

View and Link To Maps

Key Facts

	Bridge Name	Facility Carried / Feature Intersected	Location	Structure Type	Construction Date and Builder/Engineer
	Michigan Avenue Bridge DuSable Bridge	Michigan Avenue Over Chicago River	Chicago: Cook County, Illinois	Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Deck Truss, Movable: Bascule (Fixed Trunnion) and Approach Spans: Metal Stringer (Multi-Beam), Fixed	1920 By Builder/Contractor: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Chicago, Illinois and Engineer/Design: City of Chicago

Technical Facts

Rehabilitation Date	Main Span Length	Structure Length	Roadway Width	Main Spans	Approach Spans	NBI Number
2009	256 Feet (78 Meters)	400 Feet (121.6 Meters)	64 Feet (19.5 Meters)	1	2	16603527325

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

View Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Documentation For This Bridge

HAER Data Pages, PDF

View The Michigan-Wacker Historic District Nomination Form

About This Bridge

This bridge is commonly known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, but officially renamed the DuSable Bridge in October 2010, to honor Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable. DuSable was the first non-native settler in Chicago.

Connecting the downtown Loop to the Magnificent Mile, this is essentially the "Main Street Bridge" of Chicago, since it carries a busy roadway including as many as 30,000 pedestrians daily, and has been decorated to give it the feel of a gateway bridge. It is the most well-known of the Chicago bascule bridges. The composition of the trusses are comparable to other bridges in the city, except that this bridge is one of the uncommon common double-deck bridges in the city. The decorations such as the bridge-tender towers on this bridge, and the plaques on the bridge also set this aside from other Chicago bridges. The city has furthered this bridge's unique appearance by flying various flags on the bridge as well.

Most recently, the city of Chicago demonstrated not only their commitment to maintain this landmark historic bridge, but to restore and increase the historic integrity and beauty of the bridge in a unique restoration project executed in 2009. This project actually removed the modern and relatively mundane pedestrian railings on the bridge and placed replicas of the original ornate railings that were present when the bridge was built and had been replaced some years ago. The project has dramatically increased the historic appearance and beauty of the bridge. The project is significant because often railings are ignored during bridge preservation projects. However, the truth is railings are often play a significant role in the aesthetic quality of a historic bridge. Chicago has recognized this and set an example of other owners of historic bridges to follow.

The southwest bridgetender house of this bridge contains the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. With an entry fee of only four dollars, this small museum offers a history of the bridge and the Chicago River, but perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the museum is that they have opened up a viewing area to the public where you can view the motors, breaks, trunnion, and other mechanical parts of the movable bridge that are normally hidden and restricted from the view of the public. Some of the original electrical equipment that was saved from a previous renovation project is on display here as well.

From a distance this bridge looks square like the Wells Street Bridge, but if you walk on the lower sidewalk, you will note the bottom chord is arched a bit, and rises above the sidewalk at the middle of the span. Its truss design is more like Ohio Street.

The Michigan Avenue Bridge was constructed as two parallel bridges, and could actually be lifted independently of each other. If you are on the lower level or on the Chicago Riverwalk which runs under the bridge, you can see how there are two trusses at the center of the bridge, and can thus visualize how the bridge is really two bridges side by side.

An unusual random trivia for this bridge is that in the 1920s, the city installed rubber tile pavement as an experimental surface type.

Both the substructure and superstructure for this bridge was built by the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company. This is somewhat unusual, since a lot of Chicago's bascule bridges had separate contractors for superstructure, substructure, and electrical work. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock was a frequent contractor for the substructures of bascule bridges in Chicago. This is an unusual case where the company also erected the superstructure. Formed in 1890 as Lydon and Drews Company, the company changed its name to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company in 1905. A local advertisement from that period shows that by that time the company had acquired several other companies. The company survives today and does work around the world according to the company's website.

Information and Findings From Chicago Landmarks Designation General Information Address: Chicago River, between Michigan and Wabash Year Built: Bridge and Bridge House, 1920; Esplanade, 1926 Architect: Edward H. Bennett , Pihlfeldt & Young Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: October 2, 1991 Conceived as part of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, the bridge and upper-level Wacker Drive were designed to improve transportation and to enhance Chicago's riverfront. The completion of the bridge, followed by the Wacker Drive esplanade (1926) and the monumental sculptures (1928), provided an impressive gateway to North Michigan Avenue and led to its development as one of the city's premier thoroughfares. Architect Information Raised and educated in Chicago, Daniel Hudson Burnham (1846-1912) gained his early architectural experience with William Le Baron Jenney, the so-called "father of the skyscraper." In 1873, Burnham formed a partnership with John Wellborn Root (1850-1891) that produced such commissions as the Kent House, Masonic Temple (demolished), Monadnock Building, Reliance, Rookery, St. Gabriel's Church, and the Union Stock Yard Gate. Following Root's death in 1891, the firm became known as D.H. Burnham and Co. Its design output continued to be prodigious, including department stores (Marshall Field's), office buildings (People's Gas and the Railway Exchange, at 122 and 224 S. Michigan, respectively), and public buildings (e.g., park fieldhouses, railroad stations, city halls) all across the country. However, Burnham gained an even greater reputation for his influence as a city planner. He supervised the laying out and construction of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and, in 1909, Burnham and his assistant Edward H. Bennett (Michigan Avenue Bridge) prepared The Plan for Chicago, which is considered the nation's first example of a comprehensive planning document. Burnham also worked on other city plans, including ones for Cleveland, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Manila in the Phillipines. Numerous important architects worked for Burnham's firm, including Peirce Anderson, Charles Atwood (Museum of Science and Industry), Ernest Graham, and Frederick Dinkelberg (35 E. Wacker Building, Heyworth Building). Following his death, the firm continued as Graham, Anderson, Probst and White; its commissions include the Civic Opera Building, Field Building, Field Museum, Merchandise Mart, Union Station, and Wrigley Building. Burnham Park, which is located along Lake Michigan south of the Loop, is named in honor of the famed architect-planner. This Bridge Is A Designated Chicago Landmark Visit The Chicago Landmarks Website

Above: The infamous Rush Street Bridge, the predecessor to the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Located a short distance west of Michigan Avenue, Rush Street and its bridge were an extremely busy bottleneck for Chicago. The extent of this bottleneck can be seen in two of the above photos, where what could only be described as a horse and buggy traffic jam is visible. Although the statements validity cannot be verified, one photo caption describes the bridge as "the most crowded vehicular bridge in the world." What was certainly true however, was the need for the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

Above: This photo shows an earlier Rush Street swing bridge that preceded the final Rush Street swing bridge. This earlier bridge, built in 1856, was described as an "all iron bridge." As such, this bridge would have been among the earliest iron bridges built in the United States.

Main Plaque WILLIAM A. MULGAHY CHIEF ENGINEER OF CONSTRUCTION GREAT LAKES DREDGE AND DOCK COMPANY CONTRACTOR FOR THE SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE OF BRIDGE AND PLAZAS WM. HALE THOMPSON MAYOR MICHAEL J. FAHERTY, PRESIDENT BOARD OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS DAVID W. CLARK    OSCAR WOLFF    L. WITHALL IRENE PEASE MANTONYA EDWARD J. CLACKIN  SEC OPEN FOR TRAFFIC MAY 14TH 1920 C. D. HILL, ENGINEER BOARD OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS THOS. C. PIHLFELDT, ENGINEER OF BRIDGES HUGH E. YOUNG ENGINEER OF BRIDGE DESIGN CHICAGO PLAN COMMISSION CHAS. H. WACKER, CHAIRMAN E. H. BENNETT, CONSULTING ARCHT.   Library Landmarks Plaque FRIENDS OF LIBRARIES U.S.A. LITERARY LANDMARKS REGISTER This site is designated a Literary Landmark in recognition of the use of BRIDGES AS SYMBOLS by such authors as CARL SANDBURG, THEODORE DREISER, AND UPTON SINCLAIR in CHICAGO'S LITERARY TRADITION Friends of the Chicago Public Library June 22, 1990 Leaf Dedication Plaque SOUTHEAST LEAF NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE BRIDGE DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF HARRY J. PASCHEN NOVEMBER 26, 1992 Rehabilitation Plaque MICHIGAN AVENUE BRIDGE HISTORICAL RENOVATION IN HONOR OF FRANK H. PASCHEN "QUIETLY BUT AGGRESSIVELY MEETING THE CHALLANGE" MAY 22, 2009 Bridge Tender House Sculptures THE DISCOVERERS JOLLIET, FATHER MARQUETTE, LA SALLE AND TONTI WILL LIVE IN AMERICAN HISTORY AS FEARLESS EXPLORERS WHO MADE THEIR WAY THROUGH THE GREAT LAKES AND ACROSS THIS WATERSHED TO THE MISSISSIPPI IN THE LATE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY AND TYPIFY THE SPIRIT OF BRAVE ADVENTURE WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN FIRMLY PLANTED IN THE CHARACTER OF THE MIDDLE WEST. PRESENTED TO THE CITY BY WILLIAM WRIGLEY JR. 1928 THE PIONEERS JOHN KINZIE, FUR TRADER, SETTLED NEAR THIS SPOT IN THE EARLY YEARS OF THE NINTEENTH CENTURY. ONE OF A BAND OF COURAGEOUS PIONEERS, WHO WITH THEIR LIVES AT STAKE, STRUGGLED THROUGH THE WILDERNESS BREAKING SOIL FOR THE SEEDS OF A FUTURE CIVILIZATION. PRESENTED TO THE CITY BY WILLIAM WRIGLEY JR. 1928 REGENERATION THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE, IN OCTOBER, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-ONE, DEVESTATED THE CITY. FROM ITS ASHES, THE PEOPLE OF CHICAGO CAUSED A NEW AND GREATER CITY TO RISE IMBUED WITH THAT INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND ENERGY BY WHICH THEY HAVE EVER BEEN GUIDED. ERECTED BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE B. F. FERGUSON MONUMENT FUND 1928 DEFENSE FORT DEARBORN STOOD ALMOST ON THIS SPOT. AFTER AN HEROIC DEFENSE IN EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND TWELVE, THE GARRISON TOGETHER WITH WOMEN AND CHILDREN WAS FORCED TO EVACUATE THE FORT. LED BY CAPTAIN WELLS, THEY WERE BUTALLY MASSACRED BY THE INDIANS. THEY WILL BE CHERISHED AS MARTYRS IN OUR EARLY HISTORY. ERECTED BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE B. F. FERGUSON MONUMENT FUND 1928

Below: In 1908, Albert Scherzer proposed the below "artistic" design for a Michigan Avenue Bridge. He got inspiration for the design from Pont Alexandre III in Paris, France, which had been completed in 1900.

Below: Joseph Strauss proposed the below extravagant design for a Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1913. The appearance of the bridge appears to be somewhat inspired by the Tower Bridge in London, England. The bridge was described in The American City as follows: "The design illustrated herewith shows a form of movable bridge which has been proposed by the Strauss Bascule Bridge Company for the span to be built across the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue, Chicago, connecting the North and South Side Boulevards. It is of the vertical lift form, having neither cables nor chains, the counterbalancing being effected through levers which form a part of the suspension trusses from which the span and the load it carries are hung."

Historical Articles

View Detailed Articles About This Bridge's Substructure and Superstructure From Engineering News-Record

View A Selection of Additional Historical Articles Discussing This Bridge

 

Historic Bridges of Chicago and Cook County Browse Bridges In Google Maps This special map has bridge markers colored by bridge movable type. Complete Bridge List

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 News

May 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 Resources

Chicago'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.

Photos and Videos: Michigan Avenue Bridge

Available Photo Galleries and Videos

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.

 

	Structure Overview Original / Full Size Photos	A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. 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.
	Additional Overviews Original / Full Size Photos	Additional overview photos including from before the 2009 restoration was completed, views during St. Patricks Day with the green river, night views, and other special events. 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.
	Structure Details Original / Full Size Photos	A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. 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.
	Buildings and Plaques Original / Full Size Photos	Photos of the plaques and bridgetender buildings including the bas relief sculptures. 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.
	Interior Original / Full Size Photos	Photos taken in the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Photos showing the structural interior of the bridgetender building, as well as the interior electrical mechanical equipment for the bridge including gears, drive system, and trunnion. Also includes views looking out from the top level of the bridgetender building. 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.
	Structure Overview Mobile Optimized Gallery	A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem (dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below. Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer
	Additional Overviews Mobile Optimized Gallery	Additional overview photos including from before the 2009 restoration was completed, views during St. Patricks Day with the green river, night views, and other special events. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem (dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below. Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer
	Structure Details Mobile Optimized Gallery	A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem (dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below. Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer
	Buildings and Plaques Mobile Optimized Gallery	Photos of the plaques and bridgetender buildings including the bas relief sculptures. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem (dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below. Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer
	Interior Mobile Optimized Gallery	Photos taken in the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Photos showing the structural interior of the bridgetender building, as well as the interior electrical mechanical equipment for the bridge including gears, drive system, and trunnion. Also includes views looking out from the top level of the bridgetender building. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem (dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below. Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer
	Bridge Being Raised Full Motion Video	Streaming video of the bridge. Also includes a higher quality downloadable video for greater clarity or offline viewing.

View and Link To Maps

 

Home

Top