Suspension Bridges of Ontario

This is a list of all 24 bridges from the suspension bridge inventory for Ontario in Canada. Wherever you see a Bridgemeister ID number click it to isolate the bridge on its own page.

Related Lists:

1844: Union

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Chaudière Falls
Bridgemeister ID:26 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1844
Name:Union
Location:Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Chaudière Falls
Principals:Samuel Keefer
References:AAJ
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1889
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 74.2 meters (243.5 feet)

Notes:

  • At time of completion, Ottawa was still known as Bytown.

External Links:

Print, collection of David Denenberg Photo courtesy of  Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1999-00513-9-1

1848: Niagara Suspension

Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:29 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1848
Name:Niagara Suspension
Location:Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Principals:Charles Ellet
References:BOB, BPL, HBE, ONF, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 234.7 meters (770 feet)
Deck width:7.5 feet

Notes:


1851: Lewiston-Queenston

Lewiston, New York, USA and Queenston, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:35 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1851
Name:Lewiston-Queenston
Location:Lewiston, New York, USA and Queenston, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Principals:Edward Serrell
References:AAJ, BOB, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Wrecked, 1864
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 258.8 meters (849 feet)
Deck width:21 feet (AAJ: 19.5 feet)

Notes:

  • Wrecked by wind February 1, 1864. Stay cables beneath the bridge had been disconnected to avoid damage from rising ice. Portions of the cables and deck remained, in a derelict state, as late as 1895. Replacement was not started until the late 1890's.
  • The February 3, 1864 edition of Niagara Falls Gazette describes the wind event: "Partial Destruction Of The Lewiston Suspension Bridge -- A portion of the flooring and other wood-work of the Lewiston Suspension Bridge was blown down during the gale Monday forenoon. It seems that the long guys had been cut during the late ice jam to prevent injury to the structure and thus its strength to withstand a gale was much weakened. The wind swept through the gorge on Monday with terrific force and swayed the bridge so that some of the cross timbers, near the centre were loosened from their fastenings, and fell, of course carrying the floor with them. A large portion at each end, remains without material injury. The extent of the damage -- financially -- we have not yet learned, but we judge from what we hear that it may be about $10,000. The bridge was built in 1852 and cost not far from $40,000. It will doubtless soon be repaired and in use."
  • Later at same location 1899 Lewiston-Queenston - Lewiston, New York, USA and Queenston, Ontario, Canada.
  • See 1849 Wheeling (Wheeling and Belmont) - Wheeling, West Virginia, USA. The 1851 Lewiston-Queenston bridge is sometimes claimed to have become the longest in the world with a main span surpassing the length of the Wheeling suspension bridge. However, Don Sayenga notes the length of the suspended span of the Lewiston-Queenston bridge was only 849 feet, not the 1,043 feet sometimes cited. Don writes: "[1,043 feet] was the distance between the towers built high up on the cliffs above the crossing - because there was no space for them below. The roadway suspended from the towers was only 849 feet span over the water from abutment to abutment." Thus, Roebling's Cincinnati bridge should be considered the first to eclipse Wheeling's record main span.

External Links:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg

1855: Niagara Suspension

Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:51 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1855
Name:Niagara Suspension
Location:Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Principals:John A. Roebling
References:AAJ, BAAW, BBR, BFL, BMA, BOB, BPL, HBE, LIR, NSB, ONF, PTS2, SA18810716, SJR
Use:Rail (heavy rail) and Vehicular (double-deck), with walkway
Status:Replaced, 1897
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 250.3 meters (821.3 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg

1869: Clifton

Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:70 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1869
Name:Clifton
Also Known As:Niagara-Clifton, Falls View, First Falls View
Location:Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Principals:Samuel Keefer
References:AAJ, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1889
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Main Span:1 x 386.6 meters (1,268.3 feet)
Deck width:10 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg

1889: Second Falls View

Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:2120 (added 2006-09-17)
Year Completed:1889
Name:Second Falls View
Location:Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Principals:G.M. Harrington, George W. McNulty
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, late 1890's
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:


1895: Swinging

Renfrew, Ontario, Canada - Bonnechere River
Bridgemeister ID:590 (added 2003-01-05)
Year Completed:1895
Name:Swinging
Location:Renfrew, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Bonnechere River
Coordinates:N 45.478217 W 76.691764
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2020)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

Notes:

  • 1983: Rebuilt.
  • 2020, December: Rehabilitation project likely.
  • 2021, October: Contract awarded for repairs.

Annotated Citations:

  • McIntyre, Bruce. "Swinging Bridge will be upgraded at a cost of almost $300,000." Toronto Star, 20 October 2021, https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/10/20/swinging-bridge-will-be-upgraded-at-a-cost-of-almost-300000.html.

    "In his report to council recently, Development and Property Director Mike Asselin said the bridge was an important piece of infrastructure and just like other municipal property like bridges and roads, council was faced with the prospect of investing in one of its assets or eventually be forced to close the bridge due to safety concerns. Although there had been some repairs completed in 2020, it was more of a stop-gap measure to deal with some immediate issues."

Photo by Jack Schmidt Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1899: Lewiston-Queenston

Lewiston, New York, USA and Queenston, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:108 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1899
Name:Lewiston-Queenston
Location:Lewiston, New York, USA and Queenston, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Principals:L.L. Buck, R.S. Buck
References:AAJ, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular and Rail (streetcar)
Status:Replaced, 1962
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 317 meters (1,040 feet)
Deck width:17 feet

Notes:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1912: Sewell's Road

Scarborough, Ontario, Canada - Rouge River
Bridgemeister ID:831 (added 2003-06-01)
Year Completed:1912
Name:Sewell's Road
Location:Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Rouge River
Coordinates:N 43.82754 W 79.19962
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Frank Barber, Lewis Construction
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:In use (last checked: 2021)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 30.5 meters (100 feet) estimated
Side Spans:2 x 9.1 meters (30 feet) estimated

Notes:

  • Restoration completed April, 1981.
Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell

1929: Ambassador

Detroit, Michigan, USA and Windsor, Ontario, Canada - Detroit River
Bridgemeister ID:160 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1929
Name:Ambassador
Location:Detroit, Michigan, USA and Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Detroit River
Coordinates:N 42.31210 W 83.07402
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Jonathan Jones, McClintic-Marshall
References:AAJ, AMB, GBD, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (major highway)
Status:In use (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 563.9 meters (1,850 feet)
Deck width:55 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz Photo, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1929: Springbank

London, Ontario, Canada - River Thames
Bridgemeister ID:290 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1929
Name:Springbank
Location:London, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:River Thames
At or Near Feature:Springbank Park
Principals:J. R. Rostron
References:AAJ
Use:Footbridge
Status:Replaced, 2002
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 71.6 meters (235 feet)
Deck width:5 feet

Notes:

  • Replaced by truss, 2002.

1938: Thousand Islands International II

Georgina Island and Selton, Ontario, Canada - St. Lawrence River
Bridgemeister ID:365 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1938
Name:Thousand Islands International II
Location:Georgina Island and Selton, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:St. Lawrence River
Coordinates:N 44.36323 W 75.98271
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Robinson and Steinman
References:AAJ, ADDS
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, heavy vehicles), with walkway
Status:In use (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 228.6 meters (750 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 91.4 meters (300 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1950: (footbridge)

New Hamburg vicinity, Ontario, Canada - Nith River
Bridgemeister ID:803 (added 2003-03-30)
Year Completed:1950
Name:(footbridge)
Location:New Hamburg vicinity, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Nith River
Coordinates:N 43.398709 W 80.707671
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Extant (last checked: 2020)
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1
Side Spans:2

1958: Three Nations Crossing

Cornwall, Ontario, Canada and Massena, New York, USA - St. Lawrence River
Bridgemeister ID:325 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1958
Name:Three Nations Crossing
Also Known As:Cornwall-Massena International, Seaway International
Location:Cornwall, Ontario, Canada and Massena, New York, USA
Crossing:St. Lawrence River
Coordinates:N 44.989962 W 74.739913
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:STL
Use:Vehicular
Status:In use (last checked: 2019)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1
Side Spans:2

Notes:

  • Renamed "Three Nations Crossing" effective January 1, 2000 in recognition of the Mohawks of Akwesasne

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1960: Ogdensburg-Prescott International

Ogdensburg, New York, USA and Prescott, Ontario, Canada - St. Lawrence River
Bridgemeister ID:214 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1960
Name:Ogdensburg-Prescott International
Also Known As:Seaway Skyway
Location:Ogdensburg, New York, USA and Prescott, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:St. Lawrence River
Coordinates:N 44.73 W 75.45667
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Modjeski & Masters
Use:Vehicular (major highway)
Status:In use (last checked: 2019)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 350.75 meters (1,150.8 feet)
Side Spans:2

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

2003: (footbridge)

Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Bridgemeister ID:916 (added 2003-10-12)
Year Completed:2003
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates:N 44.48883 W 80.31083
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2005)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 126 meters (413.4 feet)

Notes:

  • Located at the Scenic Caves attraction, the owners claim this large (126-meter main span) footbridge is the longest footbridge in Ontario.

(footbridge)

Englehart vicinity, Ontario, Canada - High Falls of the Englehart River
Bridgemeister ID:870 (added 2003-08-30)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Englehart vicinity, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:High Falls of the Englehart River
At or Near Feature:Kap-Kig-Iwan ProvincIal Park
Coordinates:N 47.7964 W 79.88803
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2004)
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

Notes:

  • Two-span footbridge with an interesting bend in the middle (forming a shallow V-shaped bridge).
Photo by Paul Lantz

(footbridge)

Guelph, Ontario, Canada - Speed River
Bridgemeister ID:836 (added 2003-06-28)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Speed River
At or Near Feature:Riverside Park
Use:Footbridge
Status:Closed, 2003. Removed by 2004.
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • This bridge was closed April 2003. Wayne Grodkiewicz reports that it has since been replaced by a truss bridge.

(footbridge)

Meadowvale, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada - Credit River
Bridgemeister ID:1405 (added 2004-07-04)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Meadowvale, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Credit River
At or Near Feature:CVC Credit Valley Conservation Authority
Coordinates:N 43.628933 W 79.737567
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2004)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)

(footbridge)

Mount Brydges vicinity, Ontario, Canada
Bridgemeister ID:1472 (added 2004-08-29)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Mount Brydges vicinity, Ontario, Canada
At or Near Feature:Longwoods Road Conservation Area
Coordinates:N 42.88338 W 81.47578
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2005)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1

(footbridge)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - West Don River
Bridgemeister ID:1474 (added 2004-09-02)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:West Don River
At or Near Feature:Serena Gundy Park
Coordinates:N 43.71918 W 79.35383
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2004)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)

(suspension bridge)

Belleville, Ontario, Canada - Moira River
Bridgemeister ID:275 (added before 2003)
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Moira River
Coordinates:N 44.165340 W 77.386448
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • Was located near (or exactly) the present-day footbridge at the foot of Catharine Street.
Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

Castor

Clark Hill Islands, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:319 (added before 2003)
Name:Castor
Also Known As:Burning Springs
Location:Clark Hill Islands, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg

Pollux

Clark Hill Islands, Ontario, Canada - Niagara River
Bridgemeister ID:848 (added before 2003)
Name:Pollux
Also Known As:Burning Springs
Location:Clark Hill Islands, Ontario, Canada
Crossing:Niagara River
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire

Notes:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg


Do you have any information or photos for these bridges that you would like to share? Please email david.denenberg@bridgemeister.com.


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