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91-year-old gets new moving parts

Photos of the Wells Street Bridge Reconstruction

Photo by Steven Dahlman

5-Mar-13 – (Above) A new section is eased toward the south end of the Wells Street Bridge on Monday afternoon. Barges, a tugboat, and other vessels now fill the south half of the Chicago River from LaSalle Street to Franklin Street. This was the view from the Franklin Street Bridge, looking east toward Marina City. At about 5 p.m., the new bridge part was in place and should be connected on Wednesday.

Click on images to view larger versions.

Photo by Steven Dahlman Photo by Steven Dahlman
(Above) Resting on plywood and a truck-size metal container, this section of the old bridge now hugs the south bank of the Chicago River. Cutting torches were used on the steel beams in lower frame. Wider view showing the barge on which the section of old bridge now sits.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) On Monday, the new bridge section in center frame was being eased into place against the south end of the Wells Street Bridge. This is from Wacker Drive looking toward Merchandise Mart. (Below) The west side of the Wells Street Bridge.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

Photo by Steven Dahlman

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) Wider view from the Franklin Street Bridge, looking east. Wacker Drive at right.

(Left) Wacker Drive looking toward Merchandise Mart.

(Below) Reverse angle. The north end of the Wells Street Bridge is raised, out of view to the left. In the distance at left is the old section of bridge that is being replaced.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) Closer view of work being done to the south end of the bridge.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

6-Mar-13 – (Above) Moored to a Poseidon barge on the Chicago River, the 89-foot 2400-horsepower tugboat Buckley assists with the Wells Street Bridge renovation project on March 6. Based in Chicago, the Buckley operates throughout the Great Lakes. The 78-foot tug James J. Versluis, owned by the City of Chicago, passes in the background. Early on March 6, a new south leaf was secured to the Wells Street Bridge.

(Below) Views of the project from Wacker Drive. Merchandise Mart in background.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

Photo by Steven Dahlman

Photo by Steven Dahlman

 Related story: Gap in Wells Street Bridge affects Brown and Purple Lines