|
Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
|
Kinzie Street Bridge |
Bascule (Truss) |
Kinzie Street |
Cook County, IL |
Chicago |
Chicago River North Branch |
Originally built in 1909, this bridge represents both a happy and an unfortunate story, depending on how you look at it. Approximately three quarters of this bridge appears to have been replaced, but using members that would have been specially made to replicate the original elements of the bridge. The portion that replaced was that portion that is opposite the mechanics of this single-leaf bascule bridge, the front portion seen in the above photograph, which was taken facing eastward. If you walk across the bridge, you can note the rust damage behind the paint on the bridge on the original portion of the bridge, as opposed to the smooth, clean appearance of the new steel. This is a happy story, because a clear attempt was made to replicate the original bridge, even down to the v-lacing and decorative portal bracing. From a distance, or to the casual viewer the bridge probably looks the way it always has. The bad side to this, is such a massive replacement of so much of the bridge undoubtedly affects the historic integrity of the bridge. Also bolts were used, on the replaced parts, which to my eye, do not look as nice as they have a choppy appearance to them. This is something you notice when you are walking across the bridge, it is not too noticeable as you drive across the bridge. A nice compromise however would have been to use special bolts that look like rivets on one side, such as in the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge's replaced span back in Michigan.
Note that this bridge is right next to the North Branch Railroad Bridge.
