41.79800000, -87.69400000
Drawbridge / movable
WaterwayChicago Sanitary & Ship Canal
Route SegmentIllinois / Chicago
Route VariantInland Rivers / Chicago or Cal-Sag
State / ProvinceIL
Nearest CityChicago
Mile MarkerRM 320.0
Bridge TypeBascule
Source Confidencemedium
What Boaters Should Know
South California Avenue Bridge on Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canalnear Chicago, IL; closed clearance about 19.1 ft. Critical low bridge.
Clearance And Opening Details
Vertical Clearance Closed19.10 ft
Vertical Clearance OpenNot verified
Horizontal Clearance128.00 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.
Opening / Contact Notes
- Opening Schedule
- Bascule; verify opening/status.
- Operator / Contact
- Not verified
Navigation And Regulatory Notes
- Air Draft Notes
- Closed/air-draft clearance: 19.1 ft. Datum/reference: Low Operating Level / Flat Pool; NGVD 1929. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical
- Navigation Notes
- Bascule; verify opening/status. Sub-20-ft closed clearance. Closed/air-draft clearance: 19.1 ft. Datum/reference: Low Operating Level / Flat Pool; NGVD 1929. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical Bascule; verify opening/status.
- Regulatory Notes
- Bascule; verify opening/status. Sub-20-ft closed clearance.
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.