Chicago's Movable Bridges

Chicago has more movable bridges than any other city in the world. Most bridges over the Chicago River are trunnion bascule bridges known throughout the world as "Chicago Style." The French word "bascule" means teeter-totter. Through the mid-century they operated to accommodate commercial river traffic. Today, the bridges open in spring and fall to allow recreational boats to travel to and from Lake Michigan harbors.

Chicago, Illinois · United States