Franklin Street Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin–Orleans Street Bridge |
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Franklin Street Bridge in 1987
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| Carries | 3 lanes for Automobiles, Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Chicago River |
| Locale | Chicago, Cook County, Illinois |
| Official name | Franklin–Orleans Street Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Double-leaf bascule |
| Total length | 320 feet (98 m) |
| Width | 62 feet (19 m) |
| Longest span | 220 feet (67 m) |
| Clearance below | 18.7 feet (5.7 m) |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, Ketler–Elliot Company |
| Opened | October 1920 |
The Franklin–Orleans Street Bridge, often called the Franklin Street Bridge, is a special kind of bridge in Chicago, Illinois. It crosses the Chicago River, which flows right through the city. This bridge was built in October 1920.
It connects two important parts of Chicago: the Near North Side and "The Loop." The Loop is the main downtown area. This bridge helps cars and people get across the river easily.
Contents
What is the Franklin Street Bridge?
The Franklin Street Bridge is a type of bridge called a bascule bridge. This means parts of it can lift up. It's like a giant seesaw! This allows tall boats, like sailboats, to pass underneath.
The bridge is located southwest of a very famous building called the Merchandise Mart. It's an important link for traffic in Chicago.
How Does a Bascule Bridge Work?
A bascule bridge has one or two moving parts, called "leaves." These leaves are balanced with heavy weights. When a boat needs to pass, the leaves swing upwards. This creates a clear path for the boat.
Chicago has many bascule bridges. This is because the Chicago River is busy with boat traffic. These bridges help keep both road and river traffic moving smoothly.
Design and Features
The Franklin Street Bridge is a "double-leaf" bascule bridge. This means it has two lifting parts that meet in the middle. It was designed to be strong and reliable.
The main part of the bridge that lifts is about 220 feet (67 meters) long. The entire bridge stretches about 320 feet (98 meters) across the river. It is 62 feet (19 meters) wide. This width allows for three lanes of cars and sidewalks for pedestrians.
The bridge was built by two companies: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company and Ketler–Elliot Company. They finished building it in 1920.
Why is This Bridge Important?
The Franklin Street Bridge plays a big role in Chicago's transportation. It helps thousands of cars and people cross the river every day. It connects busy neighborhoods and business areas.
It is also a historic part of Chicago's engineering. Many of Chicago's bridges are bascule bridges. They show how the city found smart ways to manage both land and water travel. The Franklin Street Bridge is a great example of this clever design.
