Burlington Canal Lift Bridge, Vertical lift bridge in Burlington, Canada
The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is a steel structure spanning the canal that connects Hamilton Harbour to Lake Ontario. The deck contains four traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway for crossing between both sides.
The bridge was completed in 1962 and represents the sixth crossing built at this location since the first one appeared in 1830. The vertical lift design was chosen to allow large vessels to pass through, keeping the route functional for both road and water traffic.
The bridge serves as a daily crossing for commuters and locals between both shores, where you regularly see ships passing beneath the raised deck during navigation season. This blend of road traffic and maritime movement creates a shared rhythm that residents have witnessed for generations.
The bridge raises up to 36.5 meters (120 feet) during the navigation season from March to December to allow large vessels to pass underneath. Visitors should expect traffic pauses when ships move through the canal, particularly during busier months when maritime traffic increases.
The bridge surface uses metal grating instead of solid pavement, allowing glimpses of the structures below. This material creates an unusual walking experience that sets it apart from conventional bridge crossings in the region.
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