Harrison Pedestrian Bridge

Gazing up at the Harrison Pedestrian Bridge, have you ever considered its intricate history? This isn’t the first bridge to grace this spot over the South Branch Chicago River. The Harrison Pedestrian Bridge, opened in 1960, is the third iteration. Let’s unravel the story of this often-overlooked Chicago landmark. The original bridge, a hand-operated swing bridge, appeared in 1877. Local property owners championed its construction. Years later, between 1901 and 1905, a Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge replaced the older swing bridge. This second bridge eventually made way for our current Harrison Pedestrian Bridge, a fixed-trunnion bascule design. Its grand opening took place on August 23, 1960. The bridge carries not just pedestrians but also vehicles and bicycles across the river. Did you know the western approach of the Harrison Pedestrian Bridge stands above railway lines leading to Chicago Union Station? This section is currently undergoing a significant reconstruction. Interestingly, the 1960 bridge retained a deck-pony truss design. This design had been a Chicago staple since 1922. Its truss details closely resemble those of its predecessors. This continuity in design over almost four decades highlights the design’s effectiveness. The bridge boasts a navigational vertical clearance of 23 feet. Pedestrian railings received an update in 2006. Construction of the 1960 Harrison Pedestrian Bridge was a feat of engineering. The previous bridge remained open to traffic throughout the construction process. This required the older bridge to function as a single leaf bascule. The final product, our Harrison Pedestrian Bridge, can be raised or lowered in a mere 50 seconds.