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HistoricBridges.org visited Simcoe County for the first time in 2012. At this time, of all the metal truss bridges HistoricBridges.org had learned of in Simcoe County, many were either demolished or slated for demolition. The few that remained showed signs of deferred maintenance. This bridge was particularly frustrating, because it appears a few weeks earlier this bridge might have still been standing. However, the only photos available show the bridge demolished, with the trusses reduced to two large pieces of scrap metal. Riveted truss bridges are beautiful heritage structures that deserve preservation. More often than not, even deteriorated examples can be rehabilitated for decades of additional service life for far less than the cost of replacement, particularly if an engineering firm with heritage preservation skills is hired. However, in Simcoe County, the county appears to treat riveted metal truss bridges like a disease that needs to be eradicated.
This bridge was not the oldest or rarest of Simcoe County's truss bridges. However, it was an old bridge with heritage value. It also had a heavy 45 degree skew. It used historical construction methods such as riveting and built-up beams no longer used today. Even the construction of truss bridges in general (except for Bailey trusses) no longer occurs in Ontario. With its trusses, the bridge was far more attractive than any modern bridge could hope to be. The bridge also had steel manufactured by Bethlehem Steel, and it bore the Bethlehem name on its steel. This once-mighty company no longer exists today, its few remained bankrupt assets having been absorbed by overseas interests years ago.
Ontario is a diverse and beautiful province, and it deserves to continue having heritage bridges dotting the landscape. These bridges enhance the beauty and culture of Ontario.
This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
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