Having endured 83 years of constant traffic and harsh winter weather, the Jackson Avenue Bridge in downtown Chicago was nearing structural failure.
The $11.5-million Jackson Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project began with demolition of the existing structure and pavement. New foundations, piers, abutments, bridge superstructure, roadway, and sidewalks were built. The project also included restoration of the bridge’s architectural features, as well as installation of new precast balustrades, ornamental lighting, and new stairs to the Metra platform below. More than 2,000 cu yd of concrete, 190 tons of rebar, and 300 tons of steel beams were used to build the new bridge.