Revised and expanded 1/13/2018

    The Grand Avenue Bridge (462 West; 450 North) traverses the North Branch of the Chicago River east to west 2 miles from the river mouth. The current bridge is the second at this location.  It opened December 13,1913.  It was rehabbed in 1974.  The following is the technical description of the bridge: metal rivet-connected Pratt Pony Truss, moveable double leaf bascule (fixed trunnion).  Approach spans: metal stringer (multibeam fixed).  It is a steel structure.  It is a second generation Chicago bascule bridge.  There is one main span and 3 approach spans.   In the early 2000’s, it was converted from movable to fixed.

     The largest span is 187.9 feet.  The total length is 269.9 feet.  Deck width is 36 feet.

   Contractors are as follows:

     Superstructure was built by Strobel Steel Construction Company Chicago

     Substructure Contractor was Fitzsimmons and Connell Bridge and Deck Company Chicago

     Bridge Engineer/Design City of Chicago.

     Construction costs were $195,141.

     The first bridge at this location opened in 1869.  It was a common Howe truss wood and iron swing bridge.  It was 163 feet long and 32 feet wide. In 1895, it received a reinforced floor system for electric streetcars.   In 1907, the bridge underwent an extensive rehab.

     Designer:          Fox and Howard

    Construction:   Fox and Howard

     Construction Costs were $48,800.

     Bridge was removed between June to July, 1910

Bridge  inspection (Current Bridge) 11/2010

Deck Condition Rating Satisfactory 6 out of 9

Superstructure Condition Rating Poor 4 out of 9

Substructure Rating Condition Satisfactory 6 out of 9

Appraisal Structurally Deficient

Photos added 4/19/2018.