Whirlpool Rapids Bridge

Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is a two-level steel arch structure in New York and Ontario, spanning 329 meters across the Niagara River and rising 75 meters above the water. The upper level carries railway traffic for the Michigan Central and Canadian Pacific lines, while the lower deck now serves a single vehicle lane.

The crossing opened in 1897 after engineer Leffert Buck built it beneath the existing suspension span so traffic could continue without stopping. Once the new structure became operational in 1898, the older bridge above it was dismantled and removed.

The lower deck was converted in 2009 to a single NEXUS-only lane, limiting access to travelers enrolled in the trusted traveler program. This shift turned what was once a general crossing into a specialized route for frequent border crossers already cleared by immigration authorities.

All vehicle occupants must hold NEXUS cards before crossing, as no standard passport lanes exist on the lower deck. The lane is limited to standard vehicles, and trucks or larger commercial loads must use alternative crossings along the Niagara River.

The crossing sits directly above the point where the river bends sharply and creates a natural whirlpool effect visible from the structure itself. Railway trains continue to pass on the upper level, even though vehicle traffic below has been sharply reduced.

Location: New York

Architects: Leffert L. Buck

Official opening: 1897

Height: 75 m

Length: 329 m

Made from material: steel

Part of: Canada–United States border

GPS coordinates: 43.10920,-79.05830

Latest update: December 6, 2025 11:00