Allanburg Bridge — Local services in Thorold

Lift bridges are beautiful. A classic method for solving the problem of sharing a space between a waterway and a roadway when there is a need for heavy transport. A hundred years ago, they didn't have the technology or materials for bascule drawbridges to support heavy vehicles so the "lift bridge" was designed.

A vertical lift bridge is movable bridge where the span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck. These are generally less expensive than "leaf" bridges as the counterweights can be lighter and less challenging to move repeatedly.

The Allanburg Bridge (also known as Bridge 11) is a "through-truss" and carries Highway 20 over the Welland Canal between Fonthill and Niagara Falls. It was constructed in 1930 and updated in 2001. Of course, there is no toll for road vehicles to pass over the bridge.

I hung out for a bit but there was no traffic at this time, so I didn't get to see the bridge...

So. Google wants me to review a lift bridge. So. Bridge goes up, and let's boat through. Bridge goes back down and let's cars over. To be honest. The bridge is cool. However. It is being closed for maintenance more and more. That is an inconvenience, because I drive and detours are annoying. However. If you are at the bridge and look up you will see a small structure. It is the old bridge keeper building. It used to be a manned bridge. It now houses all the computer stuff to make it an automated bridge. With that all said... I was told the bridge is haunted. So if you are a ghost hunter it may be one of those cool places to go check out. It has a walk way on both sides so you can go on the...

I've always enjoyed going along Hwy 20, to Niagara Falls, (FYI * Hwy 20 turns into Lundys Lane in Niagara Falls), as I'm very close to Silver St.S/As Binbrook Rd, rather than going 30 KMS outta my way & take that crazy QEW Niagara! I would have given this route 5 ☆'s but, it seems that several timed this elderly bridge is closed due to maintenance and the scenic route along 20 when you reach the city limit of Thorold has turned into roundabouts and subdivisions! Not all progress is good sadly ☹. I am thrilled that I can use this map on Google to find out if the bridge is closed for...