Great Loop bridge planning reference

PFW&C Railroad Bridge

PFW&C Railroad Bridge on South Branch Chicago Rivernear Chicago, IL; closed clearance about 11.1 ft. Very low closed clearance.

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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41.85800000, -87.63800000

Planning only Drawbridge / movable Railroad bridgeAir draft concern
WaterwaySouth Branch Chicago River
Route SegmentIllinois / Chicago
Route VariantInland Rivers / Chicago or Cal-Sag
State / ProvinceIL
Nearest CityChicago
Mile MarkerRM 323.4
Bridge TypeLift railroad
Source Confidencemedium

Clearance And Opening Details

Vertical Clearance Closed11.10 ft
Vertical Clearance Open120.00 ft
Horizontal Clearance156.00 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: 11.1 ft. Open clearance: 120 ft. Datum/reference: Low Operating Level / Flat Pool; NGVD 1929. 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. Open clearance high when lifted; rail operations may affect passage. Closed/air-draft clearance: 11.1 ft. Open clearance: 120 ft. Datum/reference: Low Operating Level / Flat Pool; NGVD 1929. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical Lift bridge; verify rail/opening status.
Regulatory Notes
Lift bridge; verify rail/opening status. Open clearance high when lifted; rail operations may affect passage.