Welland Canal, Bridge 15

Bridge 15 is a steel swing structure with Baltimore truss design that crosses the Welland Recreational Waterway and carries two railway tracks with metal barriers at both ends. The construction was engineered to allow trains to pass while letting vessels navigate the canal below.

Canadian Pacific Railway built this bridge in 1910 to carry the main line of Canada Southern Railway across the Third Welland Canal. It became a key structure supporting rail connections between the two Great Lakes.

The bridge represents industrial development in Ontario, connecting communities and facilitating trade between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Visitor access is restricted since this is an active railway bridge. It is best viewed from public pathways along the canal.

The bridge still operates using its original mechanical system from 1910, powered by underwater cables. This rare system enables the rotating movement to let vessels pass, making it distinct from modern automated bridges.

Location: Welland

Official opening: 1910

GPS coordinates: 42.97690,-79.25580

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:25