View Information About HSR Ratings
Above: Drone view of bridge. Photo Credit: Marc Kirouac. Click for enlargement.
The Caledonia Bridge is one of the most significant and impressive bridges in Canada. The bridge is recognized as the longest rainbow arch bridge in Ontario. It may be the longest bridge of its type in all of Canada, thanks to its unparalleled number of spans. Rainbow arch bridges are often also called bowstring through arch bridges. The bridge's structural material is reinforced concrete. The spans of this bridge are large, compared to many other rainbow arch bridges in Ontario, and they tower over the average sized car. In addition to their height, the Caledonia Bridge is equally impressive in terms of its quantity of spans, and its total length, which make this an impressive and graceful structure without compare. The bridge also is unaltered from its original design and thus has good historic integrity. It is a key landmark for Caledonia and this heritage bridge should receive the highest preservation priority.
Above: Drone view of bridge. Photo Credit: Marc Kirouac. Click for enlargement.
The site of the current Caledonia Bridge has a long history of being the location of an impressive and noteworthy bridge. In fact, the existing bridge replaced a bridge which was itself rather significant, a large, six example of a Whipple Arch truss that was built in 1875. Each of those spans were 105 feet (32 Meters) in length. A large brick toll-keepers residence was also built near the north end of this bridge. This toll house remains in place today. At least one portion of this 1875 bridge collapsed due to overloading by a truck in 1925, prompting an interest in seeking construction of a new bridge which would lead to construction of the existing rainbow arch.
Above: Historical photo showing previous bridge at this location.
This concrete bowstring arch bridge was built in 1927 by Randolph MacDonald Company of Toronto, Ontario. The engineer for the structure was A. B. Crealock from Ontario Department of Public Highways.
As unbelievable as it may be, this landmark heritage bridge is slated for demolition and replacement. The loss of this bridge would not only deprive the local community of a unique landmark, it would deprive all of Canada of heritage bridge that has no equal. While other bridges of this structure type remain elsewhere in Canada, most are no more than two spans in length, and certainly not the impressive nine spans seen with this bridge! Ironically, the only other bridge that even comes close to this bridge is the seven span bridge in Waterloo Region which is also over the Grand River and ironically has been rehabilitated. Surely the Caledonia Bridge is worthy of the same! The replacement bridge is being advertised as a "signature" bridge. However, the replacement bridge will be devoid of any heritage value. Only through the preservation of the existing bridge can the heritage value continue to exist. Moreover, it is the experience of HistoricBridges.org that modern bridges are incapable of offering the level of beauty, particularly in terms of intricate detailing, than any heritage bridge. What should be done here? This bridge could be preserved for continued two-way vehicular use. A second one-way bridge could be constructed to form a one-way couplet of bridges to increase traffic capacity. Or, a new two-way bridge could be built next to the existing bridge and the existing heritage bridge could be preserved for pedestrian use. With all these sorts of alternatives available, there really is no reason to demolish this bridge. As such, the demolition of this bridge would only be a short-sighted waste of history and beauty.
Above: Drone view of bridge. Photo Credit: Marc Kirouac. Click for enlargement.
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.
