“Third at this site,” the plaque declares. That’s the Harrison Street Bridge for you. It stands as a testament to Chicago’s ever-evolving infrastructure. This isn’t just a bridge. It is a vital artery connecting the city’s bustling downtown Loop to the west.
Opened on August 23, 1960, the Harrison Street Bridge is the third iteration at this very location. Local residents began lobbying for a crossing as far back as the 1870s. The first bridge, an iron swing bridge, appeared in 1877. It was operated by hand. American Bridge built it for $24,875.
In 1905, a steel Scherzer Rolling Lift bascule bridge replaced the original. This second bridge was quite the upgrade with electric power. But by December 1959, it was time for another change.
The current Harrison Street Bridge is a fixed-trunnion bascule bridge. It facilitates the flow of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians across the South Branch of the Chicago River. This design, with its combination deck-pony truss, echoes bridges from 1922. Its truss details mirror earlier examples.
The Harrison Street Bridge has 23 feet of navigational vertical clearance. When completed in 1960, the bridge could be raised or lowered in just 50 seconds. The cost was $5,750,000.
The bridge’s location presents unique challenges. It is near Union Station. The viaduct crosses 18 active rail tracks. Construction often occurs overnight to avoid disrupting train services. The team coordinates closely with Amtrak and Metra. They balance access needs for businesses and commuters.
The reconstruction of the Harrison Street Viaduct enhances structural integrity and safety. It also improves access and mobility. The corridor connects commuters traveling in and out of the city’s downtown Loop. It accommodates freight trucks, vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The 780-foot-long viaduct provides critical access across the Chicago River.
The Harrison Street Bridge connects various transit modes near one of the city’s busiest rail hubs. On the north, the Old Chicago Main Post Office borders the project site. On the south, the United States Postal Service’s central distribution facility stands.
So, as you cross the Harrison Street Bridge, remember its story. It is a story of constant improvement. It is a story of Chicago’s relentless progress. It is a story etched in steel and concrete, connecting the city’s past to its future.