Innovative Approach Keeps Lift Bridge Open to Chicago Traffic During Inspection

CHICAGO, IL—Through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, the Chicago Bridge Inspection Team (CBIT), a joint venture of Benesch and Collins Engineers, Inc., successfully completed the inspection of the Torrence Avenue lift bridge without disrupting the thousands of vehicles that rely on it daily.

Constructed in 1938, the Torrence Avenue bridge is located in an industrial area on the southeast side of Chicago. As the only city-owned vertical-lift bridge designed for vehicular traffic, it serves as a vital connector over the Calumet River. The bridge opens several times daily to accommodate commercial ship traffic, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for both land and water transportation.

Inspecting this unique and complex structure required meticulous planning to ensure that the bridge’s 14,500 daily users were not affected. By employing rope access techniques using SPRAT-certified climbers, the team not only enhanced safety by avoiding lane closures but also reduced costs by eliminating the need for additional access equipment. Without rope access, a bucket truck with a 45-foot reach and a CDOT lane closure permit would have been required, complicating the process and disrupting traffic flow.

“Given that the bridge opens for marine traffic on demand, maintaining radio communication with the bridge operator was essential during our inspection,” said Denise Soehrman, PE, SE. “This inspection required careful coordination between CDOT, the U.S. Coast Guard, and our inspection team to ensure both safety and efficiency.”

CBIT plays a critical role in preserving the Chicago Department of Transportation’s bridge inventory, comprised of more than 400 bridges. The team works diligently to ensure all inspections meet rigorous national and state standards, keeping these essential connections safe and reliable for all users.

To learn more about the CBIT program, click here.