At 143 years old, Blackfriars Bridge in London, Ontario is a rare example of wrought iron bowstring arch-truss architecture. It is Ontario’s oldest working crossing and at 221 ft., North America’s longest working span of its kind. After four years of closure, extensive restoration work began in November 2017. The truss was lifted from its granite abutments, cut at mid-span and transported for full rehabilitation. The FRP deck weighs only 25 psf and has curbs with stainless steel armor for snow plowing. The bridge now carries vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians across the Thames River. The FRP deck was key to regaining structural capability while retaining Blackfriars’ beauty and giving it long-lasting performance.
