Outer Drive Bridge

The Outer Drive Bridge is a bascule bridge in Chicago, United States, spanning 1,710 feet across the mouth of the Chicago River. Originally constructed in 1922 as part of a shoreline improvement project, the bridge was designed and built to replace the hastily erected vehicular ferries that took automobiles across the river. It features two bascule spans, each made from a pair of leafs constructed from steel. In the 1950s, the bridge was renovated and strengthened to accommodate the heavier weight of modern vehicular traffic. Today, it serves as an iconic landmark for the city, with views of the Chicago skyline and the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan in the background. Visitors may take in the bridge from beneath its steel arch, which soars almost 150 feet over the water, or from the sidewalks and pedestrian walkways that cross the bridge. Visitors may also take in the views of the Chicago River and the architecture of the city from either side of the bridge. No matter where one stands, the Outer Drive Bridge provides an incomparable experience.