Montrose Swing Bridge

Montrose Swing Bridge is a railway crossing over the Welland River in Niagara Falls that sits at the junction where the Queenston Power Canal meets the river. The structure can rotate to allow boat traffic to pass through, and today it carries only occasional freight trains serving nearby industries.

The crossing was built in 1910 to carry rail traffic and became an important link in the transportation network of the Niagara region. Passenger service ended in 2001, though freight trains continue to use the line on a limited basis.

The bridge was built to support rail traffic during a time when trains moved both freight and passengers across the region. Today, visitors can see how this crossing fits into the larger industrial landscape around the Welland River.

The bridge area is accessible from nearby walkways that allow you to view the structure from outside the rail corridor. Keep in mind this is an active railway line, so staying off the tracks and respecting safety barriers is important when visiting.

During World War I, the bridge was guarded by military forces because it was considered strategically important for protecting the Welland Canal. This role shows how critical infrastructure became essential to national security during wartime.

Location: Ontario

Official opening: 1910

GPS coordinates: 43.04610,-79.11990

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40