History
The bridge was built in 1933 replacing an older wooden bridge that had been damaged by ice on the Don River. The original cost was $70,864.07. The bridge was abandoned in 1964 after the construction of the Don Valley Parkway. A new onramp was built to the north, connecting with Eastern. The highway was also placed directly east of the bridge and through traffic would have required a new bridge and overpass to cross it. With the Eastern onramp just to the north and the new Gardiner Expressway just to the south it was decided that a bridge was unnecessary at that point in the river. The bridge was thus disconnected from the road network. It was also fenced in to block pedestrians as the highway and the rail lines are both considered hazardous. The city considered demolishing it, but found that it would be more expensive than simply maintaining it. The city continues to inspect the bridge.
Read more about this topic: Old Eastern Avenue Bridge
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