Ogdensburg–Prescott International Bridge, Suspension bridge across the Saint Lawrence River between Ogdensburg, New York, and Johnstown, Ontario
The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge is a large steel structure that spans across the Saint Lawrence River between New York and Ontario. It was designed to carry vehicle traffic in both directions across the river.
This crossing was completed in 1960 to create a direct road link between northern New York and Canada. Its construction was an important step in improving connections across the border region.
The name Prescott refers to the town seven kilometres southwest of Johnstown, though the bridge itself lands in Johnstown; it was meant to replace the ferries that had linked Ogdensburg and Prescott since 1800. On 1 September 2015 Prime Minister Stephen Harper posted a video filmed in front of the bridge and the Port of Johnstown, which viewers mistook for Halifax Harbour because of the resemblance to the A. Murray MacKay Bridge.
Only passenger and commercial vehicles may cross; cyclists and pedestrians are not permitted. The bridge is designed for heavy loads and carries up to 105,000 pounds (48,000 kg), enough for semi-trailer trucks. On the Canadian side it meets Highway 16, which links to Highway 401 and Highway 416 toward Ottawa; on the US side it meets New York State Route 812.
Thousands of people cross this bridge every day without thinking much about it, yet it remains one of the busiest border crossings in this region. The river beneath serves as the international boundary, making every crossing a genuine border transition.
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