La Salle Street Bridge (Chicago, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Salle Street Bridge |
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View of the bridge from the Wells Street Bridge
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| Coordinates | 41°53′15″N 87°37′57″W / 41.887484°N 87.632474°W |
| Carries | Automobiles Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Chicago River |
| Locale | Chicago, Cook County, Illinois |
| Official name | La Salle Street Bridge |
| Other name(s) | Marshall Suloway Bridge |
| Maintained by | Chicago Department of Transportation |
| ID number | 000016603226800 |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 242 feet (74 m) |
| Width | 86 feet (26 m) |
| Longest span | 220 feet (67 m) |
| Clearance above | 18.7 feet (5.7 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Donald Becker |
| Opened | 1928 |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 12050 |
The La Salle Street Bridge is a special bridge in Chicago, Illinois. It helps cars, bikes, and people cross the Chicago River. This bridge is also known as the Marshall Suloway Bridge. It was built a long time ago, in 1928.
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What is the La Salle Street Bridge?
The La Salle Street Bridge is a type of bridge called a bascule bridge. This means it can open up! It has two large parts, called "leaves," that lift up. This allows tall boats and ships to pass underneath. It's like a giant seesaw for boats!
A Bridge That Moves!
Imagine a bridge that can move out of the way! That's what a bascule bridge does. The La Salle Street Bridge has two moving sections. These sections are balanced by heavy weights, making them easier to lift. When a tall boat needs to go by, the bridge operator can lift these sections. This creates a clear path for the boat. This type of bridge is very important in Chicago. The Chicago River is a busy waterway, with many boats needing to pass.
Connecting Chicago's Neighborhoods
This bridge connects two important parts of Chicago. It links the Near North Side with the Loop. The Loop is the busy downtown area of Chicago. It has many tall buildings and businesses. The Near North Side is a vibrant area with homes, shops, and restaurants. The La Salle Street Bridge makes it easy for people to travel between these two areas. It helps keep the city moving smoothly.
Building the Bridge
The La Salle Street Bridge was finished in 1928. At that time, Chicago was growing very fast. More and more people and cars needed to cross the river. So, new and bigger bridges were needed. The bridge was designed by Donald Becker. Building a bridge like this was a big project. It needed strong materials and clever engineering. The bridge has been an important part of Chicago's transportation system ever since it opened.
