Chicago Low-Clearance Viaducts

Dozens of CTA elevated ("L") line viaducts across Chicago drop below 13'6" — some as low as 10'6". Bridge strikes happen weekly. Chicago is one of the highest-strike urban environments in the U.S.

Notable Low Clearances

Lake Street "L" viaducts (west side): 11'6"–12'0" common. Green Line viaducts (south/west): 12'0"–12'6". Blue Line viaducts (northwest): 11'6"+. Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park has repeated strikes.

Verified Truck Routes

Kennedy Expy (I-90/94), Dan Ryan (I-90/94), Stevenson (I-55), Eisenhower (I-290), Edens (I-94), Bishop Ford (I-94), Chicago Skyway (I-90). All are 13'6" or higher and continuously truck-legal.

Deviation Warnings

When surface routing is required, verify each viaduct clearance individually. Do not trust GPS defaults. The city publishes a viaduct clearance map — download and pre-plan.

What to Do at a Low Clearance

Stop before the viaduct. Do NOT reverse into traffic. Call CPD non-emergency and shipper. Attempting to "just squeeze under" is the leading cause of major insurance claims.