North Avenue Bridge
Today's post actually isn't about a current architectural marvel, but rather, one that no longer exists. The North Avenue Bridge was a bascule bridge constructed in 1907. It was 273 feet long (83 m) and had a roadway width of 36 feet (11 m). Chicago played an important role in the development of this type of bridge, and the North Avenue connection was one of the oldest in the city. Unfortunately, it suffered from years of decay, and with just one lane in each direction, it wasn't truly capable of handling the amount of traffic that goes through that area daily. The bridge was considered a historic piece of engineering, but when the city offered it to any interested parties for relocation and preservation, no one wanted it. Therefore, the bridge was destroyed, much to many historians' dismay.
Photo credit: Historic Bridges, willitrun
North Avenue Bridge: 1200 W North Ave
Public trans: Bus # 8, 72 or Red Line train (North/Clybourn)
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POSTED IN: Architecture & Attractions
3 opinions for North Avenue Bridge
The Toronto Traveler
Nov 26, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Sad tale, but all too common unfortunately. Was the bridge destroyed recently?
Matt B
Nov 27, 2007 at 2:40 am
I believe it was destroyed late last year.
Margaret C.
Dec 11, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Sad that bascule bridge had to go, but who wants a bridge catastrophe? New one is very, very cool, one of only a few cable stay/suspension bridges in world.
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