Michigan Avenue Bridge
| Michigan Avenue Bridge | |
|---|---|
Michigan Avenue Bridge viewed from the west
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| Coordinates | 41°53′19.9″N 87°37′27.7″W / 41.888861°N 87.624361°WCoordinates: 41°53′19.9″N 87°37′27.7″W / 41.888861°N 87.624361°W |
| Carries | Michigan Avenue |
| Crosses | Chicago River |
| Locale | Chicago |
| Official name | DuSable Bridge |
| Heritage status | Chicago Landmark |
| ID number | 000016612026812 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Double-leaf, double-deck, fixed counterweight, trunnion bascule bridge |
| Total length | 399 feet (122 m) |
| Width | 91.75 feet (27.97 m) |
| Longest span | 256 feet (78 m) between trunnions 220 feet (67 m) between piers |
| Clearance below | 16 feet (4.9 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Bureau of Engineering, Chicago Department of Public Works |
| Construction begin | April 15, 1918 |
| Construction end | 1920 |
| Opened | May 14, 1920 |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 37900 (upper deck) 11700 (lower deck) |
The Michigan Avenue Bridge (officially DuSable Bridge) is a bascule bridge that carries Michigan Avenue across the main stem of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, Illinois, United States. The bridge was proposed in the early 20th century as part of a plan to link Chicago's south side and north side parks with a grand boulevard. Construction of the bridge started in 1918, it opened to traffic in 1920, and decorative work was completed in 1928. The bridge provides passage for vehicles and pedestrians on two levels; it is an example of a fixed trunnion bascule bridge, which is also known as a "Chicago style bascule bridge". The bridge is included in the Michigan–Wacker Historic District and has been designated as a Chicago Landmark.
The location is significant in the early history of Chicago. Events from the city's past are commemorated with sculptures and plaques on the bridge, and exhibits in the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum—housed in one of the bridge tender houses—detail the history of the Chicago River.
The Michigan Avenue Bridge has a north–south orientation, spanning the main stem of the Chicago River between the Near North Side and Loop community areas of Chicago. Its northern portal lies at the foot of the Magnificent Mile, between the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. Its southern portal is at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, overlooked by the London Guarantee Building and 333 North Michigan. The neighboring bridges are Columbus Drive Bridge to the east and Wabash Avenue Bridge to the west.
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