Finlay Bridge

Finlay Bridge opened on May 14, 1908 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Spanning 274 meters (900ft) across the South Saskatchewan River, the traffic and pedestrian bridge connects Medicine Hat's north side to the south side. Upon completion it was largest steel bridge in Western Canada and is officially listed on the Alberta Register of Historic Places.[2] It is named after William Thomas Finlay, a local politician who was the most vocal advocate for the bridge's construction.

Finlay Bridge
Finlay Bridge as seen from northern bank on July 31st, 2014
Coordinates50°02′30″N 110°40′39″W
CarriesTwo single lanes of traffic, dual walkways on each side for pedestrians and bicycles
CrossesSouth Saskatchewan River
LocaleMedicine Hat, Alberta
Maintained byCity of Medicine Hat
Characteristics
DesignTruss Bridge
Total length274m (900ft)
Width10m
History
DesignerJoseph A. Carbert
OpenedMay 14, 1908 (1908-05-14)
Statistics
Daily traffic5500 vehicles per day[1]

Prior to Finlay Bridge completion, Medicine Hat residents had to choose between either the CP Rail bridge or a ferry, operated by the North West Mounted Police, to get from one side of the city to the other. Both were risky options and the ferry route was only open 6 months of the year due to winter freezing.[3]

During the devastating 2013 Southern Alberta floods Finlay Bridge was closed amid fears that flood waters could reach and damage the structure.[4][5] Medicine Hat was almost "split in two" for the first time in over a hundred years as all major bridges connecting the north to the south were scheduled to be shut down due to the historic flooding of 2013.[6]

References
  1. "Finlay Bridge Closure Begins Monday". CHAT Television. July 3, 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  2. "Findlay Bridge". Alberta Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  3. "Statement of Significance: Finlay Bridge". Medicine Hat. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  4. "Medicine Hat braces for disaster after Calgary floods". CBC News. June 23, 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  5. "Mayor reflects on 2013 flood". CHAT News. June 23, 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  6. "Major Flooding in Medicine Hat & Worst Yet to Come". Clear Sky Radio. June 23, 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
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