Why do engineers love bridges? They're outstanding in their field.
Why do engineers love bridges? They're outstanding in their field.
Why did the bridge go to therapy? It had too many spans of anxiety.
over S.BR.CHICAGO RIVER
375 W & 150 N
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Poor overall condition rating of 3 out of 9. This bridge is classified as being in poor condition, meaning one or more structural components have significant deterioration. Poor condition does not mean the bridge is unsafe to drive on, but it does mean repairs or replacement may be needed.
The bridge carries 6,100 vehicles per day and is 123 years old (reconstructed in 1984).
Its sufficiency rating of 48.5 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 336 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 6,100 vehicles cross daily — light traffic, a smooth crossing.
The deck is 76 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
1903
123 years old (rebuilt 1984)
Structure Type
Steel Movable (Bascule)
Total Length
336 ft
102.5 m
Deck Width
76 ft
23.2 m
Spans
1
sections between supports
Max Span
213 ft
longest unsupported section (64.9 m)
Traffic Lanes
3 lanes
One-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
6,100vehicles/day
41.88447°N, 87.63799°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.