Autre nom(s)
Otter Creek Bridge
Heritage Pony Truss Bridge
Big Otter Creek Bridge
Pony Truss Bridge
Liens et documents
Date(s) de construction
Inscrit au répertoire canadien:
2009/03/20
Énoncé d'importance
Description du lieu patrimonial
The Otter Creek Bridge, spans the Big Otter Creek and is located on Middletown Line between Cornell and New Roads, in the Township of Norwich. The steel pony truss bridge was constructed in circa 1900.
The property was designated, by the Township of Norwich, in 1987, for its historical or architectural value or interest, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 33-87). The Otter Creek Bridge has also been listed on the Ontario Heritage Bridge list, a list of provincially significant bridges maintained by the Ontario Ministry of Culture.
Valeur patrimoniale
Built by the Hamilton Bridge Company in circa 1900, the Otter Creek Bridge is one of a few remaining steel, pony truss bridges in Ontario. Steel bridges proliferated rapidly in Ontario after 1900, and pony trusses, which were easy to erect, comparatively inexpensive and readily available, peppered the landscape. The pony truss design is low, lying alongside the bridge deck which allows light truss units to cross relatively large spans. The single lane capacity of pony trusses, however, resulted in many municipalities upgrading to two lane bridges.
The Otter Creek Bridge is of the Warren Truss form which uses diagonals in the shape of “W's” as its bracing and load bearing system. It also features bolted joints and a wooden deck.
The Otter Creek Bridge is a significant landmark in Oxford County. It is located on what was once a well traveled rural road in South Norwich. The Otter Creek Bridge's location on a forested winding road, contributes to the scenic rural landscape. It is a favourite location of local fishermen, naturalists and artists.
Sources: Township of Norwich By-law 33-87; Discovering Heritage Bridges on Ontario's Roads, David J. Cumming, 1951.
Éléments caractéristiques
Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Otter Creek Bridge include its:
- Hamilton Bridge Works plaque located at the east end of the south truss
- one lane width
- Warren truss construction
- timber deck beams
- bolted skeletal framework, including diagonal steel members and horizontal steel bracing
- location spanning the Otter Creek in a rural setting in South Norwich
- location on a winding forested road including steep hill approach on the south side of the bridge
Reconnaissance
Juridiction
Ontario
Autorité de reconnaissance
Administrations locales (Ont.)
Loi habilitante
Loi sur le patrimoine de l'Ontario
Type de reconnaissance
Désignation du patrimoine municipal (partie IV)
Date de reconnaissance
1987/06/23
Données sur l'histoire
Date(s) importantes
1987/01/01 à 1987/01/01
Thème - catégorie et type
- Économies en développement
- Communications et transport
Catégorie de fonction / Type de fonction
Actuelle
Historique
- Transport terrestre
- Pont, tunnel ou autre ouvrage de génie
Architecte / Concepteur
s/o
Constructeur
Hamilton Bridge Company
Informations supplémentaires
Emplacement de la documentation
Township of Norwich
210 Main Street East
Otterville, Ontario
N0J 1R0
Réfère à une collection
Identificateur féd./prov./terr.
HPON07-0079
Statut
Édité
Inscriptions associées
s/o