Burritts Rapids Bridge, Metal swing bridge in Ontario, Canada
Burritts Rapids Bridge is a metal swing bridge that crosses the Rideau Canal with a Warren truss system featuring seven panels. It has stone supports at each end and a roadway that accommodates vehicles and foot traffic.
The bridge was built in 1897 to allow boats to continue traveling on the canal. It emerged from the need to keep land and water transport moving together as commerce relied on both routes.
The bridge carries builder plaques that remind visitors of 19th-century craftsmanship and engineering skill. Locals and visitors use it to cross between canal banks and experience the waterway that shaped this community.
The best approach to the bridge is from the village side where pathways are clearly defined. Visitors should be prepared for uneven surfaces and occasional maintenance work, particularly during colder months.
The bridge's design is unusual because the truss above the pivot point is deeper, providing extra bracing overhead. This bobtail configuration was a clever way to reinforce the structure while allowing the swing motion to work smoothly.
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