I happened to be driving along Wacker Drive this evening, and, for once, was truly happy to have to stop for a red light.
I seldom come this way in a car, and this was my one chance to take a picture of the repairs underway on the historic Wells Street Bridge. Not only did the Merchandise Mart look terrific, as always, but I managed to take a picture of the huge crane that has been used to hoist the massive prefabricated sections of the bridge in place.
The Wells Street Bridge was an engineering marvel when first built in the 1920s. It is a double-decker draw bridge that carries both car traffic and, on its upper level, the elevated train. Now most of the bridge is in need of repairs, so traffic has been cut off for a number of days, while old components are removed and the new ones put in place.
People grumble about the inconvenience.
The first phase of the work was completed Monday, as you can see from the el train that is crossing. The second phase, which will be to replace the south section of the bridge, will require another closing and is scheduled to take place some time next month.
That’s the latest,
Celia
Harley says
That is one very large crane !………I like the picture very much-the Mart in the background and the street lites casting their glow.