The Chicago Bridge to Nowhere, Abandoned, 1895, Streetcar, Trolley,

[@paulbergen9114]

I remember seeing this as a small child and it would already have been abandoned for 10 years. The bridge really does look unique when you view it from a Milwaukee Road Superdome

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You can see it from there???

[@paulbergen9114]

These were the glass top Dome cars the Milwaukee Road used until Amtrak in 1971 on their Hiawatha trains to the Twin Cities. It was a great view of the downtown after the train turned at Western Avenue heading for Union Station

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome old bridge! Great old photos! That's a lucky old bridge to still be with us! Great story and history! Love the train's too! Thanks for sharing!👍

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

That was a really active rail line. A train came thru about every 5 minutes.

[@katinacarson-hunwi7297]

I’m glad they decided to keep that bridge. The history behind it is very fascinating.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Me too!

[@glennsam66]

A little correction… this bridge was used for rapid transit cars, not streetcars or trolleys. It was owned by the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad, not Chicago Surface Lines.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

OK, that's the information I was given.

[@lifeat45rpm75]

This is correct. The elevated rail line from the bridge ran south and connected to what is now the Pink Line south of Lake St, and ran north from the bridge behind Paulina St. thru West Town to connect with what is now the Blue Line near North, Damen, and Milwaukee Avenues.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@lifeat45rpm75 Thanks for explaining that.

[@h.mandelene3279]

@@lifeat45rpm75 Several power stations along that route still exist. They blend in with the alley of garages where it ran before...

[@factnotfiction5915]

Does the CTA still have rights to the right-of-way?

[@scottnielsen1553]

I explored the neighborhoods north of that bridge all the way to where the old line connected to the Blue Line until 1951. On one block there was a vacant lot that had a large concrete abutment that held up the elevated tracks. On another block, the street was lined with century old apartment buildings, except for two much newer buildings which were directly opposite one another, which told me this is where the elevated line ran across the street. You are correct about watching where you are going around there.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Isn't it amazing what you can find out if you just stop and look at your surroundings?

[@jackwalsh1468]

Satolli, another great history lesson. Kudos and Cheers, Mate.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks! I'm headed back to Chicago in March for some more videos.

[@TrainBuddies859]

Great stuff, as always! Thank you!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@archypainter5427]

Complimenti per il bellissimo video. Grazie per la condivisione. un caro saluto dall'Italia da Archy 💯👌

[@brucebruce7816]

You can see that bridge from the green line. Always wondered about it. Thank you

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome.

[@factnotfiction5915]

This isn't a sketchy part of Chicago. Just an industrial corridor that sprang up around the tracks. What would be cool is if you were to follow the ghost track - which you can do if you know the landmarks to look for.

[@cwshawk]

Odd enough, this is one of the most gentrified areas of the city post-COVID. If anyone thinks being around McDonald’s corporate or Google employees, along with United Center event goers, is scary, then I can’t help you.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I think I might do that when I come back this Spring.

[@canhtruong5960]

I thought you were showing about train videos well you’re actually showing a bridge video😂

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Trains and bridges all go together. :)

[@TheGodFather-kc5ih]

I see the RRs are also using it as a signal bridge for both directions.. Probably the reason it still stands. To much $$$ to remove it all, and put up a new signal bridge

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Exactly!!!

[@JohnGeorgeBauerBuis]

I’m not sure how much longer it will last, as I’ve heard there are plans to finally move the signals and remove it, although that could still take a few years more even if they do follow through.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@JohnGeorgeBauerBuis Let me know if you hear anything more. Thanks!

[@ClintonvilleModelRailroad]

used to have 13 lines 4 CNW 4 CMSP&P and 5 PRR

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

How long ago was that?

[@tammyjantzen9004]

No sense tearing it down if it serves a purpose! Nice lookin' bridge. Thanks!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're absolutely right!

[@chooch1995]

We rails call it the ‘Met’ bridge which is short for the original railroad that it carried - the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad…..all tracks underneath ( even the relatively unused looking track on the far south side ) are active.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks for the info about the tracks running underneath the bridge. I didn't know that.

[@jtdavis62]

That area is rapidly gentrifying. Maybe 15 or 20 years ago it could be called "sketchy," but not these days.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

OK, that's fair.

[@jeffs5093]

If they ever decide to demo it. Hopefully it can be moved and used on a walking or bike trail.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Hopefully they'll save it.

[@cwshawk]

The only new trail in the city plan is a conversion of an old Englewood line, which this bridge is too big for. Even the 606 and the North Branch trail probably can’t fit this massive thing.

[@SnoofyAir]

The bridge is still owned by CTA fun fact

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

OK, thanks!

[@danielbackley9301]

I was under the impression that it was sold to C&NW shortly after the tear down of the rest of the elevated structure. C&NW buying it on the grounds that erecting a new signal bridge was more expensive . Also please be aware that where he was filming from is RAILROAD PROPERTY and one can be arrested for trespassing.

[@SnoofyAir]

@@danielbackley9301 oh you know what your right, it was transferred over in 70s

[@deejayimm]

Went up there years back to see the German U boat in the Museum of science and industry. The whole museum turned out to be great. But the U boat display and tour was awesome. I highly recommend you check it out while you're up there.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I'm headed back to Chicago next month. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@tammyjantzen9004]

Chicago has some of the best museums in the country! The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, & Art Museum are excellent too! The Shedd Aquarium is an awesome display of Art Deco! The level of detail carved into the bronze doors to the frames, baseboards, molding, light fixtures, etc. All ocean and water themed. Just beautiful! I grew up in the Chicago area and I always try to hit up a museum when I visit.

[@allanegleston4931]

i was going to say , too bad it couldnt be a cycle / foot bridge . but no approaces . sigh

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Exactly. It's just kind of up in the air. :)

[@michaelmcmeel914]

Unlike the 606 path that runs along an old railroad viaduct for a few miles, this bridge isn’t connected to anything it’s in a lightly populated industrial area, and it’s just a couple hundred feet from an existing viaduct under the railroad. There’s no footpath in this old flyover’s future.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@ good point.

[@justfilmingtrains-beaverdamwi]

I was just down the rails at the other crossing!! Yes, these SD70Ms are getting sold off and scrapped. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZuveKWra7FobZY

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Thanks for the info.

[@Sal834]

Satoli, please be careful. No joke. This area you are filming in is not safe. I rode in under this bridge for 13 years when I communted into Chicago on the Southshore and I remember this bridge well. Very cool to know the history. Please safe safe. I have seen a lot over those years and can speak to authority with this area. If you still go to this area, mid morning is safest.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

OK, thanks for the headsup. I appreciate it!

[@tjdonahue1]

The bridge being featured is not along the Southshore line. It is one block west of Ashland Avenue on the near west side of Chicago and goes over the former Chicago & Northwestern and Milwaukee Road lines.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@ thanks for clarifying that.

[@chooch1995]

Wrong bridge, friend! This spans the Union Pacific West & both Milwaukee District lines…

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@ Thanks for the clarification.

[@johnswigler6512]

Sketchy. That's an understatement. 🧢🇺🇸

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

I was in much worse areas when I was up that way. :)

[@cwshawk]

I take it Google employees who work a few blocks away are too threatening to you?

[@Kittycats-s]

Chicago? And that guy didn't get shot?

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

:) I see more people carry guns in little towns than I do in big cities.

[@cwshawk]

Leave your couch and touch grass, dude.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

Chicago is not the war zone you think it is. Get outside,touch some grass.