Blackfriars Street Bridge, Wrought iron bowstring arch bridge in London, Canada
Blackfriars Street Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling crossing made of wrought iron with a bow-shaped arch design that spans the North Thames River in London, Ontario and connects Blackfriars Street to Ridout Street North. Its arched structure with original metal lattice girders carries foot traffic, bicycles, and vehicles across the river.
The bridge was built in 1875 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company from Canton, Ohio and replaced several wooden structures that had existed at the site since 1831. It therefore stands at a location that has served as an important river crossing for nearly two centuries.
The bridge structure inspired local artist Ted Goodden to create a series of stained glass windows titled '12 Views of Blackfriars Bridge'. This artistic response shows how the structure continues to influence the local creative community.
Following extensive restoration work completed in 2017, the bridge reopened in December 2018 and now carries pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic regularly. Visitors should expect a narrow crossing, especially during times when multiple users are present.
This structure holds the distinction of being North America's oldest wrought iron bridge still carrying vehicle traffic while maintaining its original pin connections and lattice girders. The preservation of these original engineering details demonstrates how the structure has retained its functionality over nearly 150 years.
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