Riverwalk Gateway [Murals VII: Three Bridges] - by Ellen Lanyon

Three Bridges

Riverwalk Gateway..
Continued from the post, Riverwalk Gateway.. click here..
Murals VII: Three Bridges ..

In the late 1890s, swing bridges were replaced by new bridges that were designed to accommodate the larger ships using the river.

 

The Jack-knife bridge

1891: The Jack-knife Bridge, so-called as it folded back on itself, was built at Weed Street.

 

Vertical Life bridge

1894: The Vertical Lift Bridge, controlled by twin counterweights, was at Halsted Street on the south branch of the river.

The Scherzer Rolling Lift bridge

1895: The Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge, built at Van Buren Street on the south branch of the river, was the most successful as it left the center of the river unobstructed for large ships.

A jackknife bridge was introduced in early 1980s, but the style was not embraced by the city. Two other styles vertical lift bridge and Scherzer rolling lift bridge were developed in mid-1980s. Both can still be found in the city. Ultimately though the trunnion bascule bridge became the most popular in Chicago.