41.88700000, -87.63500000
Drawbridge / movable Fixed bridgeRailroad bridge
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
What Boaters Should Know
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.
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.
Opening / Contact Notes
- Opening Schedule
- Downtown route requires clearing low Chicago River spans; opening availability varies by bridge.
- Operator / Contact
- Not verified
Navigation And Regulatory Notes
- Air Draft Notes
- Closed/air-draft clearance: 17 ft. Datum/reference: AGLCA route guidance; USACE individual bridge table. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical
- 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.
Planning Considerations
Confirm your vessel air draft, current water levels, bridge signage, official charts, bridge schedules, Local Notices to Mariners, and any VHF or phone procedures before approaching this bridge. If the bridge is movable, build extra time into your route plan for opening windows, traffic, restrictions, weather, and communication delays.