The Swing Bridges

The Swing Bridges

Both swing bridges in one photo. North (“Chutes”) bridge in the foreground. South swing bridge visible in the distance at the entrance to the Erie Canal. Photo: Dennis Reed Jr (2016)

North Swing Bridge (Chutes Bridge)

Apr 21 1883 "An act to incorporate the Tonawanda Island Bridge Company, for the purpose of constructing and operating a bridge from Tonawanda island to North Tonawanda [passed]" - Gen Statutes of State of New York.

Tonawanda Island Bridge Co. Minutes in NYPL (some maps too)

TIBC ceased to be with the absorption of subsidiary lines in 1913:  "The [New York Central Railroad Co.] merged with itself, on March 7, 1913, the following named [ten] companies, whose properties had been operated under various leases and agreements and whose entire capital stock was owned by The New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company." 

There is a Tonawanda Island Railroad operated from 1983 until a February 12, 1996 emergency order deems the swing bridge its single piece of rolling stock deficient. "While inspecting the bridge on January 2, 1996, Inspector Anderson fell through the bridge due to the deteriorated condition of the bridge timbers." Bridge #7708810.

"On June 28, 1965, the entire bridge caught on fire and the creosoted deck planks burned up in a spectacular blaze." (Taylor).

This event hurried in the Durkee bridge.

South Swing Bridge

"March 2, 1885 - Petition was received from A. M. Dodge & Co., asking permission to construct and maintain a swing bridge across Tonawanda Harbor, landing in Erie County to be at or near foot of Clay Street" - Tonawanda News, 1941-11-07. December 18, 1886, Susupension Bridge Journal reports "Engines and cars have been passing over and back on the swing bridge of the N. Y. Central Railroad which spans the Tonawanda Creek." According to a Tonawanda News article, the southern bridge is last used in the 1940s, when the Continental Can company closes.

• Bridge IDs: B18-A and B18-C.

• Car limits: 120 tons max per coupled cars.

• Engine classes restricted because of weight — lighter switchers only.