View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge is right next to the Eastern Avenue Bridge.
This bridge is a very unusual structure, that is only really a "bridge" in the common sense of the term because it crosses something, that being the Don River, and also because its load-bearing structure takes a form commonly used in bridge design, that of the concrete arch. The structure does not carry traffic of any kind, and actually is an enclosed building complete with windows, doors, and an air vent on the roof. Its purpose is to carry a gas pipeline over the river. Pipeline bridges are not as common as traffic bridges, but they are not uncommon either. There are different reasons why a pipeline might need its own bridge rather than being attached to a traffic bridge as is often the case. There may not be a bridge nearby, for example. In the case of this bridge, the reason for the separate structure was apparently because this gas pipe was so large it was considered too heavy for the highway bridge that stood here at the time it was built. This refers to the previous Eastern Avenue Bridge at the location, not the one standing next to it today. That assessment was perhaps wise, since the old Eastern Avenue Bridge collapsed a few years after this Gas Line Bridge was completed. What is most unusual about the Gas Pipe Bridge however is its structural design. Usually pipeline bridges simply carry the pipeline out in the open, not inside an elaborate building as is the case here. Moreover, the concrete through arch design is unusual. Most pipeline bridges are a truss, beam, girder, or suspension bridge structure.
This bridge was not the first Gas Line Bridge at this location. The original bridge that preceded this bridge was built sometime after 1900. It was constructed by Consumers Gas Company to carry coal gas, which the company supplied to the city from three different plans including one on Eastern Avenue near Booth Avenue. The first bridge structure was a rivet-connected double-intersection Warren through truss. Like the current bridge, this bridge also had a building structure that completely enclosed the pipeline. This bridge collapsed in 1929, which led to the construction of the current concrete bridge. Today, the bridge remains a functional structure since Enbridge uses the pipleline to carry natural gas.
Above: These photos show the collapse of the previous Gas Line Bridge.
This bridge is tagged with the following special condition(s): Unorganized Photos
Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
Search For Additional Bridge Listings:
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
