Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway

The Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway comprises two side-by-side bridges crossing Hamilton Harbour, allowing vehicles to travel above while ships pass underneath. Both structures sit on the Queen Elizabeth Way, one of the region's major traffic routes.

The original structure opened in 1958 following a 1952 collision between a ship and the earlier bridge it replaced. A second bridge was built in 1985 using different construction techniques to share the traffic load.

The bridges form a central element of transportation infrastructure in Ontario, connecting the communities of Hamilton and Burlington across the harbor waters.

Expect heavy traffic during peak hours, as the eight-lane crossing can become congested, particularly in bad weather. The crossing is well-marked with clear signage, and pedestrian pathways are available for those traveling on foot.

The original bridge employs a suspended through-arch design where a large arch carries the weight, while the newer structure uses precast concrete box girders. These contrasting construction methods reflect how bridge-building techniques evolved over the span between the two builds.

Location: Ontario

Official opening: October 30, 1958

GPS coordinates: 43.29940,-79.79800

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30