Calling All Bridge Spotters: How Many Bridges Does Chicago Really Have?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and...bridges? That's right, folks, more bridges than you can shake a baguette at (and let's face it, Chicago has some phenomenal baguettes too). But just how many bridges are we talking about? Buckle up, bridge enthusiasts, because we're diving into the murky (not really, Chicago's river is surprisingly clean these days) depths of this question.
When Counting Bridges Gets Serious (Well, Sort of)
There are two main schools of thought on this riveting topic. The Official Tally: The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) takes this bridge business very seriously. They've meticulously counted every single bridge spanning the glorious Chicago River, and according to their official count, there are a whopping 29 movable bridges. That's right, 29! These bad boys open up like mechanical crocodiles to let all sorts of cool boats pass through. Imagine the thrill of a giant cruise ship gliding under your feet (well, technically under the bridge, but you get the picture).
The "Everything Counts" Brigade: Then there are those folks who believe that every bridge deserves recognition, not just the flashy moving ones. They argue that those stationary bridges work just as hard, holding the weight of traffic and dreams (mostly traffic). By their estimation, the total number of bridges ballooons to over 180 in Cook County alone, with Chicago boasting the most. Now that's something to brag about at your next trivia night!
So, How Many Bridges Are There Really?
The answer, my friend, is it depends on how bridge-obsessed you are. Do you only count the dramatic movable bridges that put on a daily show? Or are you a bridge egalitarian, celebrating every structure that valiantly spans the river?
Here's the bottom line: Chicago has a whole lotta bridges. So many, in fact, that you could probably spend a day just cruising around (by boat, not car please) and admiring their architectural glory. From the iconic bascule bridges to the more stoic stationary ones, they're a testament to Chicago's rich history and its unwavering commitment to, well, bridges.
P.S. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of bridges, remember, there's always one you can count on: the Nutella bridge. Okay, that's not a real bridge (yet!), but a delicious figment of our Nutella-loving imaginations.
