Erie Canal Bridges & Structures
Incredible Engineering!
Is the only way to describe the huge number of Erie Canal Bridges & Structures associated with the 100 mile long Canalway. Europe had developed an extensive inland canal system that proved the capability of such a system and had an immense positive impact on economic development. The building of the Erie Canal was partially a show piece of American ingenuity, and the builders did not fail to deliver.
Construction of the canal began in 1817. The Erie Canal was dug from Albany to Buffalo, the original dimensions of the canal were 4′ deep and 40′ wide, with the stone locks 15′ x 90′. This was the first large scale public works in the US. To complete the task, many new machines were developed and engineering techniques created. Did you know that hydraulic cement was first developed by the canal builders.
A bit of an understatement
This funky bridge is a Warren through truss with overhead counterweight, built by the Strauss Bascule Bridge Company of Chicago. Built in approximately 1918, it is still in active service today. This bridge carries a CSX rail line over the Erie Canal just outside of Tonawanda, New York.
The famous “Flight of Five” located in Lockport, New York.
Here you can see the flight of 5 original locks on the right, and the replacement 2 locks on the left. The flight of 5 was built to raise boats up over the “Niagara Escarpment” a rise of 70 feet. This is the same geological feature that creates Niagara Falls. The original flight of 5 contained 2 sets of 5 locks, one side for raising boats the other side for lowering boats.
A Through Truss bridge over Tonawanda Creek/New York State Barge Canal.
This bridge originally carried the New York Central Railroad, then the Penn central. If you are really into bridges, you can see quite an in-depth conversation regarding this bridge on railroad.net
Gears for the Lock 30 Gates
Hanging at Lock 30 on the Erie Canal.
Located in Macedon, New York, this lock lifts 16 feet 4 inches and takes 1minute and 54 seconds of transit time.
This structure below is lowered when the canal is dewatered during the winter.
Video of Bridge Going Up on the Erie Canal.
This is one of 17 lift bridges that cross the canal. These bridges generally provide a little more than 16 feet of clearance.
Check out these cool bridges and many more on our bike tour of the Erie Canal. A 4-day fully supported bike tour that explores the western end of the Erie Canalway from Lockport, New York to Newark, New York ( say that 5x).
Read our blog, to learn more about what biking on the Erie Canal is really like.
Wilderness Voyageurs is based in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania along the Great Allegheny Passage. 800-272-4141