Client: Chicago Department of Transportation

Location: Chicago, IL

The 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge (SN 016-6253) is 1,500 feet in length and incorporates twin inclined arches, 240 feet in length spanning over Lake Shore Drive and the Metra Electric/CN Railroads. Unlike typical arch bridges, which are symmetric in horizontal and vertical directions, the 41st Street arch spans are on reverse curvature and on a long crest curve where the center between the arches is 7 feet higher than the outside ends of the arch at the approaches.
The bridge features double-curved arch monstresses to form large, graceful S-curves. The double curvature adds structural rigidity and wind resistance while having a simple profile with minimal detailing. Slender and elegant arches provide the structure for a curving deck that widens midspan and projects outwards to form grand balconies. The bridges glide gently to a rest in the park by ramps supported on tapering rustic prairie-stone.
Energy-efficient lighting parallel to the surface of the deck provides continuous, low-glare illumination along the entire span of the bridges. This indirect lighting highlights the curving silhouettes of the bridges and adds visual drama to the landscape at night.