Fun fact: Covered bridges were roofed to protect the wood, not the travelers.
Fun fact: Covered bridges were roofed to protect the wood, not the travelers.
Analyzing deck conditions, superstructure ratings, and bad puns...
over S BR CHICAGO RIVER
500 W & 2021 S
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Fair overall condition rating of 5 out of 9. While it is not classified as structurally deficient, it shows some deterioration that is being monitored.
The bridge carries 15,800 vehicles per day and is 78 years old (reconstructed in 2010).
Its sufficiency rating of 57.4 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 21 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 350 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
A movable bridge — it may occasionally stop for boat traffic.
About 21 feet above ground — moderate height, similar to a 3-5 story building.
About 15,800 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 68 feet wide with multiple lanes — easy to stay in a center lane.
This bridge crosses over water. Focus on the road ahead — the water is far below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1948
78 years old (rebuilt 2010)
Structure Type
Steel Movable (Bascule)
Total Length
350 ft
106.7 m
Deck Width
68 ft
20.7 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
255 ft
longest unsupported section (77.6 m)
Traffic Lanes
4 lanes
Two-way traffic
Clearance Below
21 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
15,800vehicles/day
41.85522°N, 87.63881°W
Steel Movable (Bascule)
A movable bridge can change position to allow passage of boats or other traffic. Steel movable bridges include lift, bascule (drawbridge), and swing types.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.