Maryland Bridge

The Maryland Bridge is a bridge that crosses over the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It serves as a major transportation route for Winnipeg. The bridge connects Academy Road with Maryland Street and Sherbrook Street. The current structure is the third bridge to span this section of the river. All three bridges were called the Maryland Bridge. Nearby landmarks include Misericordia Health Centre, Cornish Library, and Shaare Zedek Synagogue.ArchitectureOriginal bridgeThe first bridge, which was made of steel truss, was constructed in 1894. It was nicknamed the Boundary Bridge, because Maryland Street once served as Winnipeg's western boundary.Second bridgeAfter a Census of Traffic was conducted on the original bridge because of increased traffic and safety concerns, construction began on the second Maryland Bridge in 1920, and was completed in 1921. It was a concrete arch structure that included a colored aggregate of red granite, crushed to pass through a screen, exposed by scrubbing with steel brushes, and cleaned by several washings of muriatic acid and water.Winnipeg's only major bridge disaster occurred in 1937 when the 330-ton bridge counterweight fell on the deck of the second bridge. A corner post shaped as a cairn has been preserved from the second Maryland Bridge and is displayed by the current bridge. The bridge was closed for demolition upon the opening of the Twin Bridge's western span.