Old Eastern Avenue Bridge

The Old Eastern Avenue Bridge spans the Don River in Ontario with two distinct sections built from different materials. A northern concrete arch section carries utility lines, while a southern metal truss section once carried vehicle traffic across the river.

The bridge was built in 1933 to replace a wooden structure that had been damaged by river ice. It lost its purpose after the Don Valley Parkway was constructed and closed in 1964.

This bridge represents how the city transformed from a natural river landscape into an industrial hub, a shift visible in its design and construction. It shows the priorities of early 20th-century Toronto through its engineering choices.

The bridge is best viewed from the Don River banks nearby, which are easily accessible on foot. Visitors should plan to view the structure from a distance along the surrounding pathways.

The bridge is often overlooked despite combining two completely different engineering systems side by side. The contrast between the heavy concrete arch and the delicate metal framework shows how practical problem-solving shaped its design rather than artistic intent.