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Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Dorchester Road Bridge | Dorchester Road Over KH-401 | Rural: Middlesex County, Ontario | Concrete Rigid-Frame, Stationary | 0 By: Unknown |
There are a number of graceful rigid-frame structures remaining on Highway 401. These structures, with their attractive arch shape, and their ornamental period railings are still relatively prolific on Highway 401, but are otherwise rare examples of old overpass construction. They also are rare examples of expressway overpasses that actually have aesthetic qualities to them. These overpasses make an interesting comparison to the historic Christina Street Bridge in Sarnia. The Christina Street Bridge has two spans, which is a more typical configuration for an expressway overpass. In contrast, these Highway 401 structures sweep over the highway in a single span. Although they utilize a different structure type, in a loose way, the architecture of all these Ontario bridges is similar to that seen in Michigan with curved t-beam bridges such as the 6th Street Bridge, in terms of an arched beam and the same general design of railing.
As its name implies, this road is near the Dorchester Swamp. This was a natural formation that Highway 401 was built through to avoid taking land from farmers. The farmers were happy, but this was not a very good day for environmentalists!
