Before the High Level Bridge

Part 2

The decision was made to eliminate the 20 wooden bridges by building a single structure near Lethbridge. This bridge was to be built of steel and extend from one prairie level to the other, thus eliminating the need to go down to the river level to make a crossing. The new bridge also eliminated about nine miles of track between Lethbridge and Fort Macleod and rerouted the line so it ran to the north of the Kainai Reserve instead of across it.

A steel bridge was designed by J. E. Schwitzer, the engineer who also designed the spiral tunnels at Field. The contractors were the Canadian Bridge Company (Walkerville, Ontario) and John Gunn and Company (Winnipeg). Construction started in November 1907. When completed, this new bridge was 1.6 kilometres long and 100 metres high at the highest span. It cost $1,334,525.

The original Lethbridge-to-Fort Macleod railway line and bridges were removed in 1910 but in preparation for taking them down, bolts were removed from these bridges. Somehow a switch engine, cars and a caboose got onto one of these partially torn-down bridges: the engine fell 11 metres, the caboose over 12 metres. George Munro, the engineer, died in the wreck. The names of the other crew members were: Don McKillop, conductor; Tom Chapman, trainman; “Duck Creek” Smith, trainman; and Fred Summer, trainman.

Material from the dismantled bridges was used in building projects across southern Alberta and in Lethbridge.

You can learn more about the history of Lethbridge and the High Level Bridge at the Galt Museum & Archives.

Your old photos, documents, and artifacts might have historical value. Please contact Galt Museum & Archives for advice before destroying them.