The Whirlpool was originally called the Lower Arch Bridge, originally built in 1896 and constructed around the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, one of the falls earliest bridges and at the time still in operation.
The bridge consists of two decks. The upper deck carries train traffic while the lower portion is used exclusively for passenger vehicles.
The passenger level contains two lanes of traffic, one lane entering Canada and one lane exiting. The upper level accommodates only one set of train tracks.
No commercial trucks are permitted to use this bridge and are instead encouraged to use the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.
The Whirlpool Bridge is a spandrel braced, riveted two hinged arch bridge and is located approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) north of the falls.
In 1937 the name of the bridge changed from the Lower Steel Arch Bridge to the Whirlpool Bridge, by which it has been called ever since. The Whirlpool Bridge is still in operation today. |
