Canal Street Railroad Bridge & St. Charles Airline Bridge, Chicago IL 

It's stairs that goes up there

They do get stuck open periodically....from the heat...as the steel expands...otherwise they run flawlessly....as designed. You see, son - America back in the day built { overbuilt } everything to last & go the distance. These bridges can easily go another century. Don't let the cosmetic rust fool you - these were designed to carry steam locomotives & tenders that pushed a million pounds in weight easily...so today's modern locomotive at half that weight is no problem. As far as you last sentence? Lighten up, Francis!

Yeah but the city won't spend a penny to fix them Chicago is so beautiful full of historical buildings and landmarks but it's being ruled by the wrong people if they would sped there money wisely we would have enough to repair the basic things like bridges

@@user-rm3gf8xi6f I used to work as a locomotive engineer running freight trains through the Chicago area and over bridges such as seen here. I was under the impression that railroad bridges are owned by the railroad whose tracks run over it. Consequently, if it's not city owned, then shouldn't the railroad itself pay for the upkeep? Of course, if you're willing to use taxpayers' money to pay for a privately owned bridge, I'm sure these billion-dollar profit railroads would gladly take that money for the benefit of their stockholders.

hey, not sure if u will see this or check this, but that is so cool! what year was this? how safe do you think these bridges are to walk on despite being 100 years old? I love old chicago bridges!

You shroud have seen it when the Santa Fe occupied the now tree lined and walking trail lined land in front of the raised bridge span. I remember going to the doctor with my aunt for my check ups while riding the EL. I looked down there and saw all of that Engine facility in the last of it's glory. Some time between 1978 to mid 1980 at the latest. Might have been 79 as the last time i saw locos there.

I was wondering the same thing.

@@BossSpringsteen69 I remember reading that due to the design of the bridge, it can't be. Also the bridge was owned by the B&O (now by CSX) since the inoperable side of it led to the old Grand Central station in Chicago. They still have to operate and maintain it even though they have no ownership (I think) in the railroad that runs over the St. Charles Air Line (The operable part of the bridge).

It would cost more to take down than the scrap value. With the one span still in use, it is too close to drop by charges and pick up the pieces. Probably damage the usable span.

It's designated as a 'City of Chicago Landmark' & demolition would need approval from the city council...………...

Because it looks cool...