 Due to deteriorating conditions and inadequate capacity, the bascule bridge was demolished in 2006 to make room for a hybrid suspension/cable-stayed bridge.The suspension/cable-stayed bridge fully opened on May 23, 2008.As Chicago grew into a center of industry and commerce in the late 19th century, numerous fixed-span crossings were replaced by center-pier swing bridges, the most common type of bridge that allowed pedestrians and wagons to cross the Chicago River while also periodically allowing ship traffic below.