The DuSable Bridge and bridgehouses are constructed in the Beaux-Arts style. The bridge is the world's first double-leaf, double-deck bascule bridge. The term "double-leaf" refers to the fact that each side of the bridge is a leaf that is divided in two. They are essentially two bridges that are next to one another. A bascule bridge is one where the upper deck can be moved away from the lower deck by using hydraulic power instead of steel cables like most other bridges. This allows for more space under the bridge when there is no traffic going across it. There have been many attempts over the years to copy the DuSable Bridge, but none have been successful as far as creating a new type of bridge. The best guess is that the DuSable Bridge has not been copied because nobody has been able to come up with a good reason to build another type of bridge instead. Even though the DuSable Bridge is an original design, people have tried to improve on it. One major change that has been made is that the bridge no longer uses hydraulic power to open and close its leaves. Instead, it uses electric motors that are powered by batteries that store energy from the sun or from electricity lines. These improvements have reduced pollution and increased the lifespan of the bridge. Another change that has been made since its construction is the addition of lights to increase safety at night.