Wabash Avenue Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wabash Avenue Bridge |
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Wabash Avenue Bridge at night
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| Coordinates | 41°53′17″N 87°37′37″W / 41.887924°N 87.626839°W |
| Carries | Automobiles Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Chicago River |
| Locale | Chicago, Cook County, Illinois |
| Official name | Irv Kupcinet Bridge |
| Other name(s) | Wabash Avenue Bridge |
| Maintained by | Chicago Department of Transportation |
| ID number | 000016605226647 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Double-leaf bascule bridge |
| Total length | 345 feet (105 m) |
| Width | 90 feet (27 m) |
| Longest span | 232 feet (71 m) |
| Number of spans | 3 |
| Clearance below | 22 feet (7 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Thomas Pihlfeldt |
| Opened | 1930 |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 5,800 |
The Wabash Avenue Bridge is a famous bridge in Chicago, Illinois. It crosses the Chicago River. This bridge is also officially known as the Irv Kupcinet Bridge. It was built in 1930. The Wabash Avenue Bridge connects two important parts of Chicago: the Near North Side and an area called "The Loop". It's a special type of bridge that can open up to let boats pass underneath. You can find it west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
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About the Wabash Avenue Bridge
The Wabash Avenue Bridge helps cars and people cross the Chicago River every day. It is a very important link in the city. The bridge is located in a busy part of Chicago. It helps connect different neighborhoods. This makes it easier for people to travel around.
How the Bridge Works
The Wabash Avenue Bridge is a type of bridge called a bascule bridge. A bascule bridge has parts that can lift up. This allows tall boats to pass underneath without hitting the bridge. The Wabash Avenue Bridge has two main sections, called "leaves," that lift up. This design is very useful for rivers with a lot of boat traffic, like the Chicago River.
Design and Construction
The Wabash Avenue Bridge was designed by an engineer named Thomas Pihlfeldt. The Ketler and Elliot Company built the bridge. It was completed in 1930. The bridge has a single deck, meaning it has one level for traffic. Its design was considered very impressive for its time.
A Beautiful Bridge
In 1930, the American Institute of Steel Construction gave the Wabash Avenue Bridge a special award. They called it the "Most Beautiful" bridge of that year. This shows how well-designed and important the bridge was when it was first built. It was recognized for its looks and its strong structure.
