| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cermak Road Railroad Overpass
Chinatown Railroad Bridge | Railroad (Former New York Central) Over Cermak Road (22nd Avenue) | Chicago: Cook County, Illinois | Metal Stringer, Stationary | 0 By: Unknown |
Chicago has countless railroad overpasses (grade separations), and while a large percentage of them are old, there are a select few that stand out among the group, and this bridge is one of them to be sure. This impressive bridge features large, built-up, curved steel stringers that form the superstructure, and this alone is noteworthy, but these details are hidden behind a wall of beautifully designed concrete architecture. From the railings, to the abutments, this bridge has been designed to look nice. The names Cermak Road, New York Central, and Rock Island Lines are inset into the concrete to give the bridge and location identity. The designs on the railings, facade, and abutments are all designed to give the bridge the abstract/symbolic appearance of wings and this also gives the bridge an otherwise sleek and streamlined appearance.
It appears the designers of this bridge sought to create a grade separation that went beyond the typical railroad design which often was a simple plate girder or stringer. The bridge suggests the area and road was an important or affluent one when this bridge was built. Today the bridge is abandoned, but it is important to preserve and retain because it continues to serve its original secondary purpose of adding beauty and identity to its location. Located near Chinatown, the bridge is certainly in a popular Chicago destination, and the bridge contributes to the aesthetics of the area, yet at the same time, does not clash with the oriental atmosphere of the main area Chinatown, which is nearby this bridge.
Just a friendly reminder from HistoricBridges.org, this bridge is right next to one of Chicago's many dreaded photo-enforced stoplights. An easy way to avoid this rear-end accident causing moneymaker is to use the many inexpensive and efficient mass transit options afforded by CTA and the area's commuter rail lines. Most of the bridges in the area can be accessed with these facilities, and it will save you the stress of parking and getting a red light ticket in the mail, and will support the many historic stations and elevated railroad line that continue to be used in Chicago. In the case of this particular bridge, your CTA fare at the parallel Red Line station will also give you access to the very nice elevated angles of this bridge viewable from the Red Line Station platform.
