Riverview Bridge

Name: Authentic F&F
Price range: $

Details

Chicago Department of Transportation

2011-2019
Chicago, Illinois

Services

Architecture Civil Engineering Structural Engineering

Markets

Architecture

Civic

Engineering

Transportation

Overview

The Epstein-designed and engineered Riverview Bridge crosses the Chicago River at Addison, providing a new connection for runners, bicyclists and pedestrians between the paths in Clark and California parks. This, in turn, will help create one of Chicago’s largest recreational hubs, the “312 RiverRun,” by connecting three parks with one path for nearly two miles.

Riverview Bridge is a 16-span reinforced concrete structure that is approximately 1010’ long and 16’-0” wide with a 14’ path. The bridge is supported on single column caissons spaced at 60’-0” intervals and has seven horizontal curves, varying from 100’-0” radius to 1600’-0” radius.

Epstein’s design strategy for Riverview Bridge involved the unconventional solution of disengaging the path from the riverbank and elevating the entire structure above the water level. This solution elevates the trail on piers, and locates it within the river, which preserves the maximum amount of vegetation, and riverbank stability, while minimizing scouring and bank erosion. The bridge design also creates a shadow in the river near the bank, which is beneficial for fish looking to escape the heat and predators from above.

"The bridge provides a safe route for our 300 runners as they make their way to Horner Park for practices and meets. They no longer have to battle the busy streets and unaware drivers. The bridge is also wide enough for us to safely conduct workouts and the surface provides the necessary footing."

- Lane Tech College Prep High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Coach

The DePaul College Prep also provided the additional following statement: "We are thrilled to see the Riverview Bridge come to completion. We are grateful for the efforts and hard work of Epstein, the Chicago Park District, and their partners in making this new neighborhood landmark a reality. We have enjoyed watching our students and the many community members utilize the bridge and look forward to seeing it and the river bank used through the seasons. It is just as exciting to know that as we move to our new campus across the river in the fall, the DePaul Prep community will continue using the bridge as a connector between Roscoe Village and North Center.”

Riverview in Action

Thanks to Epstein's Marcin Rysniak, design professional, we can share a glimpse of how this multipurpose bridge is not only completing a critical link in the off-arterial trail, but also reintroducing thousands of Chicago residents to the river.