That time an enormous Ontario-U.S. border bridge collapsed

Although Niagara Falls is world-famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, round-the-clock attractions, and romantic honeymoon getaways, buried within its history is a dramatic event that saw the collapse of the largest steel arch bridge in the world at the time. 

The Upper Steel Arch Bridge, also known as the Honeymoon Bridge or Fallsview Bridge, was a steel arch structure that provided a crucial connection point between Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. 

Constructed in 1898 by the Pencoyd Bridge Company of Philadelphia and designed by engineer R.S. Buck, the bridge stretched 840 feet and featured a single-floor design, which accommodated double tracks, including space for carriages and pedestrians. 

The bridge in 1898. 

With its graceful arch and marvelous views of the Falls, the bridge quickly became a landmark, attracting tourists and locals alike. Despite its grandeur, the structure had one major fault — its proximity to the river’s surface, which made it especially vulnerable to the forces of nature during storms and harsh winters. 

From its earliest years, the Honeymoon Bridge battled Niagara’s icy season, and just one year after its opening, a massive ice buildup threatened its foundations. It took workers three weeks to clear the frozen masses pressing against the steel supports, which narrowly saved the bridge. 

Still, concerns about its stability only continued. The bridge was known to sway under heavy loads and high winds, which raised fears about its long-term safety.

One incident occurred in 1925, during the inauguration of the Niagara Falls’ “Festival of Lights.”

As spectators gathered on the bridge to watch the fireworks, they felt a shift beneath them, and panic quickly set in. Luckily, the bridge didn’t collapse, but the incident did represent an early warning sign that the structure might not be able to withstand immense pressure. 

Nevertheless, the bridge remained in use until nature delivered its final, crushing blow in 1938. The winter that year was one of the coldest on record, and powerful winds pushed massive ice formations from Lake Erie into the Niagara River.

During the week of the collapse, the river had reached a height of nine feet and even submerged the Maid of the Mist docks. As the ice continued to build, it formed an enormous ice bridge, and the pressure on the steel structure became unbearable. 

Days before the collapse, sounds of the groaning bridge filled the air, and officials knew it was only a matter of time before the structure met its untimely death. To prevent any catastrophes, all traffic was suspended on the bridge. On January 27, 1938, at 4:20 p.m., thousands of stunned onlookers watched as the bridge succumbed to the force of the ice and plunged into the Niagara gorge. 

The aftermath of the bridge’s collapse. Photo: Toronto Virtual Reference Library.

The loss of the Honeymoon Bridge was a wake-up call, and when plans were drafted to build a replacement bridge, engineers took no chances.

The new bridge, now known as the Rainbow Bridge, was constructed 500 feet north of the former location, with higher abutments designed to withstand future ice surges and strong winds. The new bridge officially opened in November 1941, three years after the collapse. 

Today, the Rainbow Bridge sees approximately 6,000 vehicles cross over it on a daily basis.