|
Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
|
Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge |
Bascule (Truss) |
I-90 |
Cook County, IL |
Chicago |
Calumet River |
|
Technical Facts |
|
Construction Date |
Structure Length | Length Including Approach System | Main Span Length | Roadway Width | Navigational Vertical Clearance |
| 1956-1958 | 2458 Feet | 7.8 Miles | 650 Feet | 76.4 Feet | 125 Feet |
I originally thought this bridge was a lot newer than it was and as such could not be considered for inclusion on this website. It turns out however that the bridge dates to the 1950s, and since it is a truss bridge, it does indeed need to be featured. Strangely enough, HABS HAER even has an entry for this bridge, which is unusual to see a "newer" bridge like this appear there. HABS HAER also felt the toll plaza was significant in its own right. HABS HAER notes that the neon sign above the toll plaza appears as it did when the bridge was first built.
Chicago has an obsession with maroon paint on their bridges, and this obsession didn't even stop at the Skyway Bridge. I think a dark and drab color like maroon doesn't look real good on a huge landmark bridge that is called the "Skyway" and does indeed reach into the air quite a bit. It should be painted something bright and cheery that compliments the blue sky above. The Blue Water Bridge is a good example.
Anyhow this is a cantilever truss bridge that features the traditional cantilever shape. It is the only monumental-sized bridge in Chicago, and is the traditional eastern gateway into Chicago.
The Mount Vernon Bridge Company, Bethlehem Steel, and US Steel all played a role in fabricating parts of the bridge.
