Michigan Avenue Bridge

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**Michigan Avenue Bridge**
The Michigan Avenue Bridge, shown from the east in both the lowered and raised positions
Carries	Motor Vehicles, Pedestrians
Crosses	Chicago River
Locale	Chicago
Design	Bascule bridge
Total length	67 m (220 feet)
Opening date	May 14, 1920
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The Michigan Avenue Bridge is a bascule bridge that carries Michigan Avenue across the Chicago River in downtown Chicago.

The bridge was built from 1917–1920 as two parallel bridges that operate independently of one another. It was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, and is one of the first examples of a fixed trunnion bascule bridge, which later became widely known as a "Chicago style bascule". When it was completed it was the main link between the north side and downtown. It is a double-deck double-leaf bascule with a main span length of 220 feet^[1]. Between April and November each year the bridge is raised about 100 times^[2]; two 108-horsepower motors open and close each of the 3,750-ton bridge leaves^[3].

On June 10, 2006 the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum opened in the southwest tower of the bridge. The museum is operated by the Friends of the Chicago River and allows visitors access to the bridge gear room.

[edit] See also

Chicago architecture

[edit] References

^ Michigan Avenue Bridge. Structurae (URL accessed October 1, 2006).
^ Bridge Facts The Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum (URL accessed October 1, 2006).
^ About the Bridge The Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum (URL accessed October 1, 2006).