Crosses Keating Channel Maintained by Toronto Port Authority Clearance above 48 metres Location Toronto Material Steel Owner Toronto | Locale Toronto Design Bascule Total length 29 m Bridge type Bascule bridge Body of water Keating Channel | |
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Carries vehicluar and pedestrian Similar Cherry Street Strauss T, Lake Shore Boulevard Bailey Bri, Sewells Road Bridge, Rosedale Valley Bridge, Old Finch Avenue Bailey Bri | ||
The Cherry Street lift bridge over the Keating Channel is the smaller of two bascule lift bridges on Cherry Street, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The bridge spans the canalized mouth of the Don River where it empties into Toronto Harbour. It is the fourth bridge at that location.
As originally constructed the bridge supported two lanes of traffic in each direction, and had a 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) sidewalk on the west side. In 1995 several changes were made to provide "enhanced safety for cyclists, skaters and pedestrians." As built the entire deck of the bridge, including the sidewalk, was a steel mesh. In 1995 vehicle traffic was restricted to one lane in each direction to make room for a 2 metres (6.6 ft) sidewalk on the east side of the bridge, and the expansion of the sidewalk on the west side to 3.6 metres (12 ft) so it could accommodate bicycles as well as pedestrians. The sidewalks were faced with a non-slip plastic fibreglass surface.
In 2006 an inspection showed that the bridge required CAD$2 million in repairs to corrosion damage. The repairs were completed in April 2007. Key bearings in the bridge broke in 2010, it took time for replacement bearings to be found in Sweden. The bridge wasn't restored to working order until June 27, 2011.
The City of Toronto's long term plans are to "renaturalize" the mouth of the Don River. Under this plan the Keating Channel will be retained, due to its historic value, but a new more natural appearing channel would be constructed south of the Keating Channel. There are plans to replace the bridge.
History
The City of Toronto once operated a swing bridge over the Keating Channel at or near Cherry Street. The current bridge, constructed in 1968, is a vehicle and pedestrian bascule bridge, with a metal mesh deck. The original swing bridge was a made of wood, and only carried a single rail line, operated by the Grand Trunk Railway.
The City solicited bid for the first swing bridge in 1896. Contractors were allowed to propose either a metal or wood bridge.
The Privy Council of Canada approved funding of the bridge in 1900.
The two spans were 52 feet (16 m) long, which was considered sufficient to accommodate navigation on the river."
The wooden bridge was replaced by steel draw bridges in 1912 and 1932.