29. NB Lake Shore Drive Bridge

Donated by: City of Chicago and Wiss, Janey, Elstner Assoc.
Original Location: Chicago, Illinois
Year Built: Circa 1986
Emergency Repair: February 2019
Donated to SBRITE: 2023

Structure Type: Multi-grider steel bridge

In February 2019, a structural emergency led to the closure of northbound lanes on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago due to cracks in two critical steel beams. Extreme temperature swings and corrosion were cited as likely contributing factors. This incident underscores the importance of timely inspections and maintenance of steel bridge structures. S-BRITE houses a section of the girder from this bridge, offering students and professionals the opportunity to study real-world failure mechanisms up close. This specimen serves as a valuable resource for understanding the interplay of environmental factors and structural deterioration.