106th Street Bridge

Across the Calumet River stretches the 106th Street Bridge. It’s a Chicago landmark with a story to tell. The 106th Street Bridge isn’t just a bridge. It’s a symbol of Chicago’s industrial past and present. The current bridge, a bascule bridge with its impressive trusses, opened in 1929. It replaced an older swing bridge from the 1890s, originally hand-operated, later electrified in 1923. This 106th Street Bridge boasts a massive 250.5-foot span between its trunnions. For a brief time, this made it the longest trunnion bascule bridge in Chicago. Its reign ended in 1930 when the Wabash Avenue Bridge opened with an even longer span. The bridge’s construction was a major event. The dedication ceremony included a parade, speeches, and even a flyover. The ribbon-cutting featured thirty women representing the diverse communities that built South Chicago. Interestingly, Mayor “Big Bill” Thompson skipped the event, leaving his Public Works Commissioner to preside. Today, the 106th Street Bridge remains a vital artery. It serves barge traffic on the Calumet River. Its leaves rise and fall regularly, a testament to Chicago’s ongoing industrial activity. While the bridge’s trusses remain in good condition, the surrounding structures show signs of wear. The abutments and bridge tender houses are deteriorating. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of maintaining historical infrastructure. Despite this, the 106th Street Bridge stands tall, a powerful link between Chicago’s past and future.