The center pier in swing bridges made navigable passageways along rivers quite narrow. Engineers worked on new designs which would allow the use of the entire channel. The vertical lift bridge seen here was constructed in 1894 over the South Branch of the Chicago River at Halsted Street (view is looking east). Cables hung from each tower lifted the bridge above passing ships.

Photographer: Chicago Department of Public Works
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-37370)