Pretoria Bridge

Built in 1915, the Pretoria Bridge is one of the most important bridges of Ottawa. The bridge is a lift bridge connecting the eastern part of Old Ottawa to the Centretown and Glebe. As it is a lift bridge, the central part of the structure can be lifted and big ships can pass through its underneath. Initially, it was built as a wooden bridge on the Argyle Street. The name of the Pretoria Bridge has been based on the Pretoria Avenue.

The Pretoria Bridge links the western part of the Elgin Street to the eastern part of the Hawthorne Avenue. The bridge suffered heavy damage due to road salt.

Proposals were given for making the bridge larger but due to its importance as a heritage building, no construction work was advanced. Rather it was decided to rebuild the structure exactly as it was before.

In order to determine the service life of the Pretoria Bridge, the Ottawa City authorities have decided to evaluate the condition of the lift bridge before any kind of rehabilitation work could be started. They will make a thorough study of the bridge to extend its working capacity. The project work will be done in three phases which will include survey, rehabilitation design and construction. Presently, the bridge is popular as a heritage structure in Ottawa.