Great Loop bridge planning reference

Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railroad Bridge

Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railroad Bridge on Calumet Rivernear Chicago, IL; closed clearance about 7.3 ft. Very low closed movable bridge.

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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41.73000000, -87.56000000

Planning only Drawbridge / movable Railroad bridgeAir draft concern
WaterwayCalumet River
Route SegmentIllinois / Chicago
Route VariantInland Rivers / Chicago or Cal-Sag
State / ProvinceIL
Nearest CityChicago
Mile MarkerRM 332.7
Bridge TypeLift railroad
Source Confidencemedium

Clearance And Opening Details

Vertical Clearance Closed7.30 ft
Vertical Clearance Open126.70 ft
Horizontal Clearance209.70 ft
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: 7.3 ft. Open clearance: 126.7 ft. Datum/reference: Low Water Datum Lake Michigan; IGLD 1985. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical
Opening Schedule
Lift bridge; verify rail/opening status.
Operator / Contact
Not verified
Navigation Notes
Lift bridge; verify rail/opening status. Only 7.3 ft closed per USACE table; high when lifted. Closed/air-draft clearance: 7.3 ft. Open clearance: 126.7 ft. Datum/reference: Low Water Datum Lake Michigan; IGLD 1985. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical Lift bridge; verify rail/opening status.
Regulatory Notes
Lift bridge; verify rail/opening status. Only 7.3 ft closed per USACE table; high when lifted.