Did you know this impressive structure is called the Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge? It’s quite a mouthful isn’t it? This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Toronto Harbour Ship Channel. It is a testament to engineering ingenuity.
The Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge is a bascule bridge and Warren truss. It’s located in Toronto’s industrial Port Lands. This bridge carries Cherry Street. It allows ships to access the channel and the turning basin beyond.
Interestingly, there are actually two bascule bridges on Cherry Street. The other one is smaller. That smaller bridge crosses the Keating Channel. But we are here to focus on this impressive Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge.
Back in 1930, Joseph Strauss’s company and the Dominion Bridge Company built this bridge. The north side features 750-ton concrete counterweights. These allow the bridge to pivot and open. Impressive, isn’t it?
The Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge uses 500 tons of steel. It was designed to carry two lanes of traffic. The original cost to build it was CA$500,000. That would be about $9.58 million today.
On June 29, 1931, Toronto Mayor William Stewart officially opened the bridge. In 1992, the City of Toronto listed it under the Ontario Heritage Act. This recognized its architectural history.
In 2007, the city spent CA$2.5 million to refurbish the Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge. Further repairs occurred between 2012 and 2013. These cost the Toronto Port Authority CA$2 million.
From 2021 to 2025, more rehabilitation is planned. The City will fund the bridge approach spans. They will also work on the bascule bridge. This is expected to cost around $22 million. PortsToronto will also repair the lifting mechanisms. That repair work will cost around $12 million.
Standing here, you can see the blend of history and function in the Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge. It continues to serve Toronto. It keeps marine traffic flowing smoothly. It also stands as a proud landmark. This bridge links Toronto’s past and present. It is ready for the future.