The Jackknife bridge, designed by William Scherzer and built in 1895, spanned the South Branch of the Chicago River between Jackson and Van Buren Streets. It had two side-by-side sets of double railroad tracks, which were used by Chicago elevated ("L") trains until the late 1950s.
The two halves resembled a pair of gigantic steel face-to-face rocking chairs, which rocked back and away from each other when opening.
Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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