Great Loop bridge planning reference

Chicago River bridge group / downtown route air-draft control

Chicago River bridge group / downtown route air-draft control on Chicago River and South Branch Chicago Rivernear Chicago, IL; closed clearance about 17 ft. Route-choice control point.

Planning awareness only: Bridge information is provided for planning awareness only. Always verify current bridge status, clearance, water levels, bridge schedules, opening restrictions, Local Notices to Mariners, bridge signage, and official charts before transit. FloatPlanWizard is not a navigation authority.

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41.88700000, -87.63500000

Planning only Drawbridge / movable Fixed bridgeRailroad bridgeAir draft concern
WaterwayChicago River and South Branch Chicago River
Route SegmentRoute-wide
Route VariantChicago River option
State / ProvinceIL
Nearest CityChicago
Mile MarkerChicago River MM 323-326
Bridge TypeMultiple bascule/fixed/rail bridges
Source Confidencemedium

Clearance And Opening Details

Vertical Clearance Closed17.00 ft
Vertical Clearance OpenNot verified
Horizontal ClearanceNot verified
VHF ChannelNot verified
PhoneNot verified
Last Verified2026-06-08
Bridge contact information has not been verified yet. Confirm current opening procedures before transit.
Verify against current water level / bridge gauge before transit.

Planning Notes

Air Draft Notes
Closed/air-draft clearance: 17 ft. Datum/reference: AGLCA route guidance; USACE individual bridge table. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical
Opening Schedule
Downtown route requires clearing low Chicago River spans; opening availability varies by bridge.
Operator / Contact
Not verified
Navigation Notes
Downtown route requires clearing low Chicago River spans; opening availability varies by bridge. AGLCA notes the downtown Chicago River route requires about 17 ft air draft; taller vessels usually use Cal-Sag. Closed/air-draft clearance: 17 ft. Datum/reference: AGLCA route guidance; USACE individual bridge table. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical Downtown route requires clearing low Chicago River spans; opening availability varies by bridge.
Regulatory Notes
Downtown route requires clearing low Chicago River spans; opening availability varies by bridge. AGLCA notes the downtown Chicago River route requires about 17 ft air draft; taller vessels usually use Cal-Sag.