Lift Bridge

In front is one of the massive pulleys that sit atop the lift bridges of the Welland Canal. At one time there were 21 of these lift bridges, both serving rail and road traffic. There is only about 8 or so left, and none for rail traffic, only roads.

These pulleys are about 20′ in diameter and they are a few on display along the bike trail that was recently added along the entire length of the canal.

In the last couple of years all the lift bridges were changed to remote control where previously each bridge had an operator sitting in the control room on the top of the span. Three years ago I was lucky enough to get a ride up there, which was quite a thrill, and quite a view.

Alas, after a drunk bridge operator lowered this very bridge on onto the bridge of a ship in 2001, they decided it was time to automate the entire system.

-Tim

About the Author:

I'm your host, Tim Warris, a product developer in Port Dover, Ontario. Since March of 2007 I have been documenting the construction of the former CNJ Bronx Terminal in HO scale. For my day job, I design track building tools for Fast Tracks, a small company I own and operate. Fast Tracks makes it fast and easy to hand lay your own trackwork. Stop by our website to learn more!

Posted by: Tim | 07-07-2007 | 09:07 AM
Posted in: Picture of the Day