A driving snowstorm. That’s how the Monroe Street Bridge opened. February 22 1919. Imagine the scene. Streetcars ferrying dignitaries through a blizzard to witness the dedication. This isn’t just any bridge. This is the Monroe Street Bridge spanning the Chicago River.
The Monroe Street Bridge isn’t just a passageway. It’s a testament to overcoming challenges. Its construction began in 1915. Labor strikes material shortages and court injunctions delayed its completion. The Union Station Company initially oversaw the project. The Chicago Division of Bridges took over in 1917. The bridge was privately funded a unique aspect for a city-operated structure.
The bridge’s design presented unique problems. The west side abutted Union Station’s railroad tracks. A cross-town water tunnel and two freight tunnels complicated the east bank design. Edward Bennett of the Chicago Plan Commission favored a double-leaf bascule bridge for symmetry. Each leaf was custom-built to accommodate the unusual circumstances. A heavier-than-usual counterweight on the west leaf shortened its rotation radius avoiding interference with the railroad.
The Monroe Street Bridge is the first and only bridge built at its location. It’s the youngest crossing on the South Branch between Van Buren and Lake Streets. The bridge houses on the southwest and northeast corners were rebuilt in 2008. Railings were restored almost to their original state. The bridge stands as a symbol of innovative engineering and compromise.
Today as you stand here admiring the Monroe Street Bridge think about the dedication ceremony in 1919. Think of the engineering marvels that overcame countless obstacles. The Monroe Street Bridge is more than just a structure. It is a piece of Chicago history. It is a story of perseverance and a testament to human ingenuity.