Whirlpool Railroad Bridge

First, A Word About Niagara Bridges in General

I call all the Niagara River bridge the untouchable bridges. Sure, you can walk across the highway bridges, but you can't see anything from on the bridges. The river valley is far to steep to climb down and get detail shots of the bridge from. Even worse, these are international crossings and under heavy surveillance by people who probably are not going to buy the idea that you were just photographing the bridge. There are really only two bridges that merit showing on this webpage, this Whirlpool Railroad Bridge and the Whirlpool Highway Bridge. Although the Rainbow Bridge was built back in the 1930s, it is surprisingly plain in appearance and doe not appeal to me. Besides, it gets enough attention and care as it is. I should point out that if you visit this area, the other crossing, the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge from a distance looks like the Rainbow Bridge, but a simple drive by will show you that the Queenston Bridge lacks v-lacing on the bracing. It was built some 30 years later, as a so-called replica. Both the Whirlpool Bridges are cantilever structures, although they resemble arch bridges. The members on a true arch bridge are always vertical, never angled.

The Whirlpool Highway Bridge

This cantilever bridge looks very similar, to the highway bridge it sits next to. However this bridge was built almost 30 year later than the highway bridge, in 1925. The members on this bridge are very massive, and have extensive v-lacing and lattice. I feel very sad for this bridge. Since it is an international crossing, it is under heavy surveillance, and furthermore it is not being used anymore. As a result, someone has erected all sorts of ugly security things, like razor-fencing and black walls and such things. Cameras are visible aimed at the bridge as well. I realize the need to secure borders, but I wish that the bridge could be used and enjoyed by somebody. It is a tragedy that we must be so cautious with our borders, and must deprive ourselves of the ability to enjoy bridges like this one.