Blackfriars Street Bridge, Wrought iron bowstring arch bridge in London, Canada
Blackfriars Street Bridge is a wrought iron footbridge and cycling crossing with a bow-shaped arch that spans the North Thames River in London, Ontario, linking Blackfriars Street to Ridout Street North. The structure features original metal lattice girders and is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
The bridge was built in 1875 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company from Canton, Ohio, replacing earlier wooden crossings that had stood at this spot since 1831. It was later restored and reopened in December 2018 after extensive work.
Local artist Ted Goodden was inspired by the bridge to create a series of stained glass windows called '12 Views of Blackfriars Bridge'. The work shows how this crossing has become part of the creative life of the city.
The bridge is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, but the crossing is narrow, so extra care is needed when multiple users are present at the same time. Visiting during quieter times of day makes it easier to take in the metal structure without distractions.
This bridge is considered the oldest wrought iron bridge in North America still carrying vehicle traffic, and it has kept its original pin connections and lattice girders intact. That level of preservation is very rare for a structure of this age.
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