Neha Patil (Editor)

Wabash Avenue Bridge

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Crosses
  
Chicago River

Other name(s)
  
Wabash Avenue Bridge

Opened
  
1930

Location
  
Chicago

Bridge type
  
Bascule bridge

Official name
  
Irv Kupcinet Bridge

Address
  
Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Total length
  
105 m

Daily traffic
  
5,800

Body of water
  
Chicago River

Wabash Avenue Bridge

Carries
  
Automobiles Pedestrians

Locale
  
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Maintained by
  
Chicago Department of Transportation

Similar
  
Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago Riverwalk, Wells Street Bridge, Franklin Street Bridge, Dearborn Street Bridge

The Wabash Avenue Bridge (officially, Irv Kupcinet Bridge) over the Chicago River was built in 1930. Standing west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and east of Marina City, the bascule bridge connects the Near North Side with "The Loop" area.

The single-deck, double-leaf bascule bridge was designed by Thomas Pihlfeldt and built by the Ketler and Elliot Company. The American Institute of Steel Construction awarded it the "Most Beautiful" bridge in 1930.

The control houses for controlling bridge operations are on the northwest and southwest corners of the bridge. The control houses are identical in design. In 1961 the control houses were upgraded to allow single man operation. Electrical modernization also accompanied this upgrade. While the northern control house is no longer in use, it still stands.

  • The bridge was used in the opening sequence of Perfect Strangers from season 3 onwards, which the title card was shown at the beginning, as well as the opening sequence of the first three seasons of the Perfect Strangers spin-off series, Family Matters, where the Winslow family are riding bicycles over the bridge.
  • The bridge was also used in the opening credits of Siskel & Ebert.
  • A glimpse of the bridge was featured in the opening sequence to the first three seasons of The Bob Newhart Show.
  • The bridge was also used in Dhoom 3.
  • References

    Wabash Avenue Bridge Wikipedia