You Shall Not Pass! (Unless You're on a Boat, Then Briefly)
Ah, the Chicago River. A ribbon of urban water that winds its way through the city, reflecting skyscrapers like a funhouse mirror and playing host to a never-ending parade of architectural delights. But there's one thing that sets the Chicago River apart from its watery brethren: bridges. Lots and lots of bridges.
We're talking about a bridge bonanza, a moveable masterpiece extravaganza! Chicago boasts more movable bridges than any other city in the world, making it a haven for both civil engineers and fans of dramatic bridge openings (because, let's face it, watching a giant metal structure rise majestically to let a tugboat pass is strangely satisfying).
How Many Bridges Are We Talking About Here?
So, the burning question: just how many bridges grace the curvaceous form of the Chicago River? Buckle up, because this is where things get a little murky.
- The Straight Shooter: If you're looking for a definitive answer, you might be out of luck. Depending on who you ask and how they're counting, the number can range from a respectable 175 to a mind-boggling 200.
- The Great Bridge Debate: Some folks only consider the chic, moveable bridges that rise up like mechanical ballerinas to be "true" Chicago River bridges. Others include all the permanent fixtures, no matter how boring and stationary they may be.
The Movable Marvels: Stars of the Show
Let's be honest, the real stars of the Chicago River bridge scene are the movable bridges. These bad boys (and girls) are the reason tourists flock to the city, cameras poised to capture the moment a giant freighter glides serenely beneath a bascule bridge. Here's a quick rundown of the moveable bridge situation:
- Movable Bridge Mania: There are around 40 moveable bridges on the Chicago River, which is pretty darn impressive.
- A Bridge By Any Other Name: These bridges come in all shapes and sizes, with names like bascule, vertical lift, and Scherzer rolling lift (say that five times fast!).
- The Tourist Trap (But We Love It): The concentration of moveable bridges in the downtown area is particularly high, making it a prime spot for bridge-gawking tours (hey, don't knock it till you've tried it!).
The Final Verdict: It's a Lot of Bridges!
So, how many bridges are there on the Chicago River? The answer, like a good Chicago deep dish pizza, is a bit messy and depends on your taste. But one thing's for sure: there are enough bridges to make your head spin (in a good way, hopefully!).
Next time you find yourself in Chicago, take a moment to appreciate these engineering marvels. And who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of a bridge performing its graceful opening act.
