|
Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
|
Van Buren Street Bridge |
Bascule (Truss) |
Van Buren Street |
Cook County, IL |
Chicago |
Chicago River South Branch |
|
Technical Facts |
|
Construction Date |
Structure Length | Roadway Width | Approach Spans | Navigational Vertical Clearance |
| 1956 | 267 Feet | 44 Feet | 2 Steel Stringers | 22 Feet |
This bridge is similar to the Harrison Street Bridge except it wasn't being worked on when I was here. With the Van Buren Street Bridge I noticed some interestingly designed concrete approach railings. Yet, like Harrison Street, this isn't perhaps the most impressive of Chicago's bridges, especially with the later construction date. The bridge tender towers have little architecture as well. On the other hand, the bridge is a valuable part in the greater picture of Chicago, and it reflects the Chicago bascule bridge legacy well. It is also more impressive than a replacement structure might be. The bridge appears to be in great condition, although I suspect this bridge might have its walkways redone in the future like Harrison Street's.
