Plaza Bridge, Stone arch bridge in downtown Ottawa, Canada
The Plaza Bridge is a stone arch bridge in downtown Ottawa that spans the Rideau Canal and connects Wellington Street and Elgin Street to Rideau Street. The structure features three masonry arches, with the middle section crossing the canal, the western portion spanning a roadway, and the eastern part covering a former rail tunnel.
The Plaza Bridge was completed in 1912, replacing the Sappers Bridge built in 1827 and the Dufferin Bridge constructed in the 1870s. Each replacement reflected changing transportation needs as the city's downtown core grew and developed.
A memorial commemorating the original Sappers Bridge stands near the current structure, honoring the contributions of Canadian military engineers through generations.
The bridge is straightforward to cross on foot and provides easy access across the canal in the downtown area. Steps lead directly down to the canal's edge, allowing quick access to the waterway for exploration or recreation.
Stairs added in the 1990s allow pedestrians to walk directly from the bridge down to the water's edge, creating a direct link to canal activities. This feature transforms the bridge into a gateway for water-based recreation in the heart of the city.
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