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 double railroad tracks 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. The bridge no longer exists. Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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What happened after the 1950s? Is this bridge still up?
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