Little Current Swing Bridge - Free Audio Guide

Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada

Little Current Swing Bridge, Ontario Provincial Highway 6, Little Current, Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Manitoulin District, Northeastern Ontario, Ontario, P0P 1K0, Canada

Xander Ashburn, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
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The Little Current Swing Bridge is a historic swing bridge located in Little Current, Ontario, connecting Manitoulin Island to Goat Island. Opened in 1913, it originally served the Algoma Eastern Railway and was a vital transportation link for both rail and road traffic. In 1980, rail service was discontinued, and the bridge transitioned to serve exclusively road vehicles. The bridge features an impressive 112-meter (368-foot) swing span that opens for marine traffic, while primarily accommodating vehicular traffic. It is designed with a single lane and has traffic signals at both ends, making it the only bridge on Manitoulin Island with such signals. The bridge is recognized as a site of cultural and historical significance, having been designated an Ontario Heritage site. The structure is a reminder of the region's railway heritage and continues to be a crucial link for residents and visitors, especially during times when the ferry service to the Bruce Peninsula is not operational. For visitors, the Little Current Swing Bridge offers not only a glimpse into early 20th-century engineering but also provides scenic views of the surrounding waterways. Its operation schedule includes opening for marine traffic during specific hours, adding an element of interest for those looking to observe this unique feature in action.