Junior Rasmussen
The Honeymoon Bridge, officially known as the Falls View Bridge, was a steel arch structure that connected Niagara Falls, Ontario, to Niagara Falls, New York. Built in 1897-98, it was the largest steel arch bridge in the world at the time. However, its proximity to the water level and issues with high winds and heavy loads would ultimately lead to its demise. In January 1938, a wind storm on Lake Erie caused a massive amount of ice to push against the bridge, and on January 27th, the bridge succumbed to the force and collapsed into the Niagara Gorge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of collapse | 27 January 1938 |
| Time of collapse | 4:20 pm |
| Cause of collapse | A wind storm on Lake Erie sent a massive amount of ice over the falls, pushing against the bridge |
| Bridge type | Steel arch bridge |
| Year of construction | 1897-1898 |
| Length | 840 feet |
| Span | 256 metres |
| Total length | 377 metres |
| Track | Double track for electric trams, carriages, and pedestrians |
| Deck type | Wooden |
| Designer | Engineer Leffert L. Buck |
| Builder | Pencoyd Bridge Company of Philadelphia |
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What You'll Learn
The Honeymoon Bridge's proximity to the river
The Honeymoon Bridge, officially known as the Falls View Bridge, was constructed in 1898 by the Pencoyd Bridge Company of Philadelphia. It was designed by Engineer R.S. Buck and was a steel arch bridge with a wooden deck. The bridge connected Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, to Niagara Falls, New York, USA, spanning the Niagara River.
The Falls View Bridge was positioned close to the river's edge, with its abutments extending to the base of the gorge and rising only a few feet above the water level. This proximity to the river would ultimately contribute to the bridge's collapse.
Being situated close to the water, the bridge was vulnerable to the effects of ice and high water levels in the river. In January 1899, just a year after its completion, the bridge encountered one of its first significant challenges. A massive ice bridge formed, with ice piling around the bridge's abutments due to their close proximity to the river's surface. The International Traction Company, which owned the bridge, took preventive measures by constructing 7-metre-high walls around the abutments, starting more than a metre below the water level.
Despite these reinforcements, the bridge continued to face challenges due to its proximity to the river. In 1925, during the Festival of Lights, a large crowd gathered on the bridge to view the illumination and fireworks. The bridge began to sway uncontrollably, causing panic among the spectators. While there were no reported incidents during this event, it highlighted a weakness in the bridge's construction.
In January 1938, a combination of factors, including a wind storm on Lake Erie, high winds, and thawing ice, caused a surge in the Niagara River. The river reached unprecedented heights, submerging the surrounding areas. Massive ice formations moved downstream, accumulating around the bridge's abutments and causing severe structural damage.
The close proximity of the bridge's abutments to the river left them susceptible to the forces exerted by the ice and high water levels. This ultimately led to the collapse of the Honeymoon Bridge on January 27, 1938, at 4:20 pm. The bridge plunged into the Niagara Gorge, leaving behind a stark reminder of the formidable power of nature.
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A wind storm on Lake Erie
On January 23, 1938, a wind storm on Lake Erie sent a deluge of ice over the Niagara Falls. Within 12 hours, the river below the falls was jammed with ice, causing severe structural damage to the Honeymoon Bridge as the ice pushed against the bridge's abutments and hinge supports.
The Upper Steel Arch Bridge, also known as the Honeymoon Bridge, was an international bridge that connected Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, with Niagara Falls, New York, United States. It was constructed in 1897-98 by the Pencoyd Bridge Company of Philadelphia and was designed by Engineer R.S. Buck. The bridge featured a double track for trolley cars and had room for carriages and pedestrians.
The bridge's proximity to the water level ultimately contributed to its collapse. The bridge was positioned only a few feet above the water level of the river, and its abutments extended to the base of the gorge. This made the bridge particularly vulnerable to the forces of nature, including the powerful windstorm that occurred during one of the coldest winters on record.
The windstorm on Lake Erie caused massive ice formations to be pushed into the Niagara River, resulting in the accumulation of ice beneath the Honeymoon Bridge. The immense pressure from the ice caused the bridge to groan under the weight, and it eventually collapsed on January 27, 1938, at 4:20 pm.
The Honeymoon Bridge had a history of instability, with a well-documented instance of swaying under heavy loads or high winds in 1925. Despite reinforcements, the bridge remained susceptible to the forces of nature, ultimately succumbing to the windstorm and ice accumulation in 1938.
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Ice accumulation
The Upper Steel Arch Bridge, also known as the Honeymoon Bridge, collapsed due to a combination of high winds, ice accumulation, and its proximity to the river. On January 25, 1938, a fierce windstorm on Lake Erie caused large chunks of ice to flow down the river and accumulate around the bridge's abutments, resulting in an ice jam.
The Honeymoon Bridge had a history of issues with ice accumulation. In January 1899, just a year after its completion, a massive ice bridge formed, with ice piling around its abutments due to their close proximity to the river's surface. This issue of ice accumulation around the bridge's supports persisted, and protective measures were implemented to strengthen the structure against the forces of nature.
In the days leading up to the collapse, the ice jam caused by the windstorm grew to a depth of over 30 meters, exerting immense pressure on the bridge's abutments and hinge supports. The bridge began to twist and creak under the strain, prompting the suspension of all vehicle traffic. Despite efforts to reinforce the bridge, the forces of nature proved too powerful.
On January 27, 1938, at around 4:00 PM, the ice shifted, causing the bridge to lurch and then collapse into the river gorge. The final moments were witnessed by thousands of onlookers who had gathered, anticipating the bridge's demise. The bridge fell in one piece, forming a twisted steel "W" on the ice below.
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The bridge's instability
The Upper Steel Arch Bridge, also known as the Honeymoon Bridge, was built in 1897-1898 by the Pencoyd Bridge Company of Philadelphia. It was designed by engineer Leffert L. Buck, and at the time, it was the greatest steel arch bridge in the world. The bridge was a two-hinged arch with a latticed rib and a span of 840 feet (256 m) long. It featured a double track for electric trams and enough room for carriages and pedestrians.
However, the Honeymoon Bridge had a history of instability. Its wooden deck made it perilous when wet, and it was inclined to sway under heavy loads or high winds. On June 8, 1925, during the Festival of Lights, a large crowd gathered on the bridge to watch the fireworks. The bridge began to sway uncontrollably, causing the terrified spectators to flee. Although the bridge did not collapse, it revealed a weakness in its construction.
In 1930, an American driver lost control, skidded off the bridge, and fell into the gorge. This incident highlighted the dangers of the bridge's slippery wooden deck. The bridge's proximity to the water level also posed a problem, as ice jams in the river could engulf the abutments and threaten the bridge's stability. In January 1899, just a year after the bridge's completion, a massive ice bridge formed around the abutments, reaching a height of 80 feet (24 m).
These issues came to a head in January 1938 when a combination of factors, including high winds, thin ice, and rising water and ice levels, led to the bridge's ultimate collapse. On January 25, 1938, a fierce storm struck the Niagara area, causing large chunks of ice to accumulate in a massive ice jam around the bridge abutments. The bridge was closed to all traffic as the advancing ice caused girders to snap and the bridge to twist. Despite efforts to reinforce the bridge, it ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature and collapsed on January 27, 1938, at 4:20 pm.
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The aftermath and construction of the Rainbow Bridge
The collapse of the Honeymoon Bridge in 1938 left a scene of devastation and served as a stark reminder of nature's power. The bridge's proximity to the river, which was initially intended to strengthen the structure, ultimately led to its undoing.
Following the collapse, the Parks Commission and the International Railway Company (IRC), which owned the Honeymoon Bridge, sought permission to construct a replacement. After a 14-month dispute, the Bridge Commission awarded $615,000 to the IRC, and construction of the new steel arch bridge, named the Rainbow Bridge, commenced in April 1940. The Rainbow Bridge was strategically positioned about 500 feet north of the former Honeymoon Bridge location, on more stable land.
The Rainbow Bridge was designed by architect Richard (Su Min) Lee, with Waddell & Hardisty and the Edward P. Lupfer firm as engineers. The Bethlehem Steel Company provided the fabrication and construction of the bridge. The new bridge was built to withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions more effectively than its predecessor. It featured two 6.7-metre roadways, separated by a metre-wide central mall, and a 3-metre sidewalk along the south side for pedestrians.
The Rainbow Bridge was completed in November 1941, three years after the collapse of the Honeymoon Bridge. It set a new record as the world's largest hingeless arch bridge, a title it held until 1962. The Rainbow Bridge now offers scenic views of Niagara Falls, attracting newlyweds and tourists alike.
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Frequently asked questions
The Honeymoon Bridge collapsed due to a combination of factors, including high winds, ice jams, and the proximity of its abutments to the river's surface. On January 27, 1938, a wind storm on Lake Erie sent massive amounts of ice over the falls, causing a large ice jam that pushed against the bridge's structure. The bridge had a history of instability and swaying under heavy loads or high winds, and its close proximity to the river left it vulnerable to the forces of nature.
The final collapse of the Honeymoon Bridge occurred at around 4:20 pm on January 27, 1938, and was witnessed by thousands of onlookers. The bridge plunged into the Niagara Gorge, forming a twisted steel "W" on the ice below. The wreckage remained in the river until February to April 1938, when the remaining pieces were removed or sank with the melting ice.
The Honeymoon Bridge, officially known as the Falls View Bridge, was a steel arch structure that connected Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, to Niagara Falls, New York, USA. Built in 1897-1898, it was the largest steel arch bridge in the world at the time. The bridge featured a double track for electric trams and accommodated carriages and pedestrians.
