Pentangore River Bridge

Ontario has no page for this historic bridge.

Located in Kincardine, Ontario this is a deck truss bridge, in a subdivided warren configuration. The approaches are deck plate girder. Supports for the main span are concrete. V-Lacing is present on diagonal members and some vertical members. Original lattice guardrails are still present, with no modern additions and are mounted on cantilevered sidewalks which are present on each side of the bridge. A weight limit is posted at 17-28-40. The bridge was built in 1934 by the Hamilton Bridge Company, in Hamilton, Ontario. When this bridge was built, this was a bridge the community must have had some pride in. The large plaques on the bridge clearly show the bridge as the Pentangore River Bridge, which makes me wonder if it was the only bridge crossing the Pentangore River in the area when it was built. The plaque also proudly states that the bridge is built entirely of Canadian and British Steel. The bridge contractors were also located in Ontario, making it an all-Canadian bridge. A close inspection of the I-beams under the deck revealed several bits of information, which confirmed what the plaque said. The words were upside down, due to the way the contractors set the i-beams on the bridge. I found "Cargo-Fleet England," a "British-I-Steel" logo, "Skinningrove England," and "15-5-5" on those i-beams. "L-Canada" is on some of the vertical members of the main superstructure.

This structure is in fair condition, and with a fresh coat of paint could probably stay around for quite a while longer. I believe this bridge had a weight limit that was reasonable for a road that was mostly residential, at 17-28-40. I think that Kincardine should move to preserve this bridge. I do not think that much work is needed on this bridge to keep around for a long time. However if the rust that is starting to develop on the trusses is not painted over, the bridge will start to decay.  Perhaps if this bridge was restored, this bridge could be a source of historic pride. If restored, it would fit well in Kincardine, a town that is filled with well-maintained historic homes.