Bayfield Bridge

Who would have thought that beneath such an ugly, modern concrete deck would lie a beautiful two-span deck truss? I certainly didn't. I have crossed this bridge many times and cursed it, thinking it a modern slab. It was only while traveling down Long Hill Road leading to Lake Huron, that a casual glance back revealed the truss nature of the bridge. The usual methods and instincts that lead you to a truss bridge in Michigan often do not work in Ontario! Apparently, even the new-looking bridges on major Ontario highways may be truss bridges!

This bridge is a two-span warren deck truss. The bridge's connections are riveted, and the bridge sits on concrete abutments. The center pier is also concrete, and has an attractive arch-like design to it. V-lacing is present on many members of the bridge, adding greatly to the aesthetic qualities of the bridge. MTO provided a date of 1949 for the construction of this bridge. In the truss world, a newer bridge, but still old enough to have the v-lacing on it. The deck and railings have been redone on the bridge. The paint on the bridge is grey. The steel trusses however, are showing rust in several location suggesting that for some unknown reason the trusses were not painted when the deck was redone. Hopefully they will be repainted soon.

Kings Highway 21 is the main shoreline route as it proceeds north from Kings Highway 402 all the way up to Southampton. In between Highway 402 and Southampton, there are three truss bridges on the highway! You will not find this many truss bridges on any major highway in Michigan! The other two truss bridges are the Southampton Bridge, and the bridge over Au Sable River Cut.

Bayfield is a town that seems to take pride in being a small town with a historic feel to it. I am glad that the truss bridge remains to contribute its historic presence to the town as well. I do wish however that MTO had selected railings that better complemented the historic nature of the bridge.