Selkirk Lift Bridge, bridge in Manitoba, Canada
The Selkirk Lift Bridge is a road bridge spanning the Red River in Selkirk, Manitoba, built with a steel truss structure and concrete supports. Its middle section operates as a vertical lift mechanism that raises and lowers using a pulley and weight system, allowing boats to pass underneath while serving two lanes of traffic and a pedestrian sidewalk.
Construction took place from 1935 to 1936 as a work relief project during the Great Depression, replacing the ferry service that had previously crossed the river. Official opening faced delays due to disputes over responsibility, but residents took action in 1937 to lower the lift span and allow traffic to flow, with the bridge later receiving major renovations completed in 1992.
The bridge bears the name of the town it serves and became a gathering point for people crossing between the two sides of the Red River. It connects communities and remains part of daily routines for residents who depend on it to reach work, school, and local services.
The bridge accommodates two lanes of vehicle traffic and has a pedestrian sidewalk on one side, making it accessible for both cars and people on foot. The structure is regularly maintained and remains in good working condition, providing a reliable crossing for daily traffic and local travel needs.
A local resident named Ed Maloney took matters into his own hands in 1937 and lowered the lift span to allow traffic to flow when official opening faced delays over payment disputes. This remarkable act by an individual resident solved the deadlock and enabled the bridge to begin serving the community.
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