International Railway Bridge

International Railway Bridge
The International Railway Bridge in December 2014 from the south, approaching Ferry Street.
Coordinates42°55′44″N 78°54′36″W / 42.9289°N 78.91°W / 42.9289; -78.91
CarriesCanadian National Railway
CrossesNiagara River
LocaleFort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York
Characteristics
Total lengthMain Channel 1,890 feet (576 m) - Black Rock Channel 440 feet (134 m)
Clearance above22 feet (7 m)
History
OpenedNovember 3, 1873; 151 years ago (1873-11-03)
Location
Map

The International Railway Bridge is a two-span swing bridge carrying the Stamford Subdivision of the Canadian National Railway across the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, and Buffalo, New York, United States. It was originally built in 1873 for the International Bridge Company by Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski and D.L. MacPherson.[1]

The bridge consists of two sections, the first extending from the Canadian shore to Unity Island (formerly known as Squaw Island), and the second extending from Unity Island to the American mainland shore. The portion between these was originally built on a trestle, and was filled to form an embankment soon after the bridge opened.[2] Once on the American mainland, rail traffic is received by the Black Rock Rail Yard. The former CN Rail Fort Erie Yard for interchange (shops and roundhouse) is closed.

  1. ^ "Bridges over Niagara Falls: International Railway Bridge". Niagara Falls Thunder Alley.
  2. ^ "The International Bridge - Progress and Character of the Work - The Roads to Cross It". The New York Times. August 18, 1873. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon