Ready to experience a high point of Chicago engineering? The Chicago Skyway Bridge is not just a road. It is a 7.8-mile-long toll road that carries I-90. It connects the Indiana Toll Road to the Dan Ryan Expressway.
Let’s delve into the story of this impressive structure. The Chicago Skyway, officially named the Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge System, was completed in 1958. Its most notable feature is the High Bridge. This steel truss bridge stretches half a mile.
Imagine driving across the High Bridge. Below you flows the Calumet River. You are also crossing Calumet Harbor. This harbor is a vital hub for industrial ships. The main span measures 650 feet long. It provides a vertical clearance of 125 feet. Did you know this makes it the highest road in Chicago?
The Chicago Skyway Bridge was originally owned by the City of Chicago. Interestingly, the approaching roadway was legally considered a bridge. This was because city laws permitted owning toll bridges but not toll roads.
The city later sold the Skyway in 2006. It became private property under a 99-year lease. Spanish and Australian investors formed the Skyway Concession Company. They continue to operate it much like the city did.
The Skyway’s design is quite modern. It avoids the v-lacing and lattice common in older bridges. Its slender steel piers give it a contemporary look.
The original design allowed for speeds of 60 miles per hour. Today, the speed limit is 45 miles per hour.
Have you noticed the toll plaza? It retains much of its original appearance. This is rare for toll roads and bridges.
Several companies contributed to the Skyway’s construction. Mount Vernon Bridge Company, Bethlehem Steel, and U.S. Steel played significant roles. The J.E. Greiner Company designed the bridge. John Edwin Greiner, the founder, was known for constructing large bridges.
The privatization of the Chicago Skyway was innovative. In 2005, the Skyway Concession Company paid Chicago 1.83 billion dollars. The city used this money for various projects. These included debt retirement, reserves, and community investment.
The Skyway Concession Company manages the Skyway. They collect toll revenue and handle operational costs. Toll increases are capped but can rise with inflation or GDP.
Driving the Chicago Skyway Bridge offers more than just a route. It provides a glimpse into Chicago’s engineering and financial history. As you continue your journey, consider the blend of public service and private enterprise that keeps this vital link moving.