This bridge was built over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1899 supposedly
with 4 tracks. 2 within the truss and 1 cantilevered outside the truss on either
side. No evidence can be seen today to confirm the outer 2 tracks. As built this
was a swing span but the motors and gears to operate it were not installed until
1942 due to World War 2. The bridge was last opened in 1953 and the motors and gears
removed sometime afterwards. The bridge today is fixed in place. The canal primarily
carries barge traffic and since the clearence underneath is quite small they have
pilot houses that can be lowed as necessary. This version is normally open and will
close at the approach of a train in 10 seconds.