This impressive bridge has an interesting and complicated history. The main span of the bridge is a massive through truss that was originally built over the Humber River in 1903 to serve a railroad line. This is why
HistoricBridges.org lists the construction date as 1903, since this is when the main span of the bridge dates to. However, the bridge's history at Bathurst Street begins a little later. In 1916, the truss span was moved and reused at
Bathurst Street. At the time, the truss was positioned at the foot of Bathurst Street, but facing southwest. In 1931, the truss was rotated to line up directly with the rest of Bathurst Street as part of a project to extend Bathurst Street
to the Lakeshore. At this time, a series of approach spans were also constructed. South of the truss span, the approach system consists of two through plate girder spans, five concrete t-beam spans, and a single steel girder span with
concrete encasement. Also dating to 1931 is a six span concrete Garrison Road ramp that leads from the approach spans north down to Fort York. This ramp was built for pedestrians only. In 1997 the 1931 railings on the bridge were removed
and replaced with new railings. Today, the bridge's southern approach spans are slated for demolition and replacement. This will destroy all aspects of the 1931 construction, representing a loss of historic integrity on the existing bridge
structure as a whole. However, the most significant aspect of the bridge, the 1903 through truss main span, is not slated for demolition. This span is listed as a designated heritage structure by the City of Toronto.
Above: This photo shows initial construction efforts to replace the previous bridge with the 1903 truss at the base of Bathurst Street in 1916.
Above: Photos showing the bridge at Bathurst Street that preceded the installation of the 1903 truss span in 1916.
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