International Bridge (Buffalo)

International Railway Bridge
The International Railway Bridge in December 2014 from the south, approaching Ferry Street.
Coordinates	42°55′44″N 78°54′36″W / 42.9289°N 78.91°W / 42.9289; -78.91Coordinates: 42°55′44″N 78°54′36″W / 42.9289°N 78.91°W / 42.9289; -78.91
Carries	Rail Traffic
Crosses	Niagara River
Locale	Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York
Characteristics
Total length	Main Channel 1,890 feet (576 m) - Black Rock Channel 440 feet (134 m)
Clearance above	22 feet (7 m)
History
Opened	November 3, 1873; 144 years ago (1873-11-03)

The International Railway Bridge carries a railway line across the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada and Buffalo, New York, United States. It was built in 1873 for the International Bridge Company by Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski and D.L. MacPherson.

The bridge consists of two sections, the first extending from the Canadian shore to Unity Island (formerly known as Squaw Island,) and the second extending from Unity Island to the American mainland shore. The portion between these was originally built on a trestle, but was filled to form an embankment soon after the bridge opened. Once on the American mainland, rail traffic is received by the Black Rock Rail Yard. The CN Rail Fort Erie Yard for interchange (shops and roundhouse) is now closed.

Before bridges crossed the Upper Niagara River, it was crossed by several ferries running between Fort Erie and Buffalo. As well as being a serious bottleneck to both freight and passenger traffic, this crossing was often dangerous as the current in this area is swift, and ice is a problem several months of the year.

Proposals for a bridge surface by 1856, raising concerns about the effect to navigation rights on the river. By 1857, the Grand Trunk Railway had also proposed the crossing. The Dominion of Canada and the New York State Legislature drafted an agreement for construction of the bridge. Engineering surveys and fundraising took place over the next several years.

Construction of the bridge was recognized as a major technological challenge. The Niagara River in this area is up to 45 feet (14 m) deep and flows at up to 12 mph (19 km/h). It is also located at the east end of Lake Erie, and during the spring, large blocks of ice often flow down the river, threatening to destroy any bridge placed in its path. There are also major financial challenges in a project such as this. Accordingly, some years were required to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, in the 1860s, the American Civil War, and rebuilding afterwards, consumed much of the resources of the United States and further delayed construction. It is noted though that planning did not stop altogether, even during the war. A meeting of the Commissioners of the company took place on April 5, 1864.