The Main Drainage Channel of the Sanitary District of Chicago is crossed by 3 railroads. The Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis; Chicago Terminal Transfer and the Chicago Junction Railways. The first having the western four tracks and the others having the next two each easterly tracks. Making a total of eight tracks crossing the channel. From this is derived the name of the structure. --Journal of the Western Society of Engineers--
Two western spans no longer in use.
Looks like the decking in the satellite views is new steel, and on the other side it looks like its freshly graded. Maybe they're doing some rehab on the two out of service spans to bring them back into use as part of the CREATE project?
I have questions on this bridge.You mentioned about a designation as a Chicago landmark.What is a landmark designation?I have never heard of it.Also from the map I looked at it looks like 2 bridges are abandoned,not one.Let me know about this designation and if both bridges are under that.
This is extremely alarming as it appears to show demo of the 1901 Warren deck truss spans. This bridge is a DESIGNATED Chicago Landmark. I have dispatched an email to the Landmarks Commission to request on why this alteration/demolition was approved. I traditionally have a lot of trouble getting communication from the City of Chicago, but hopefully can get a response in this case.
Looking on Google Maps (from May 2015), it appears the bridge is undergoing more renovations. The westernmost span has had its south approach removed. Anyone have any further information?
They would have been operated during World War II for sure, since the nearby Western Avenue Bridge was retrofit into a lift bridge at that time and it is far higher than the RR bridges. Not sure when the S&S canal ceased to have operable bridges. I do know that these RR bridges have the lowest clearance of all bridges on the S&S Canal. Many scrapes and bends are visible on the underside of these bridges from barges that were too tall.
I wonder what the last time this bridge was 'opened'? I'd bet it's been a while.
This is indeed part of CREATE. This new connection will allow BNSF Railway improved access from their former Santa Fe line to points north.