Rochfort Bridge Trestle

One of North America’s longest wooden train trestles is located just east of the hamlet of Rochfort Bridge. The trestle crosses over the Paddle River valley and Highway 43. Rochfort Bridge Trestle was built in 1919 by Canadian Northern Railway. The Paddle River is a small river which has a tendency to flood during summer rain events. Much of the river has been straightened and dyked to prevent flooding. The Paddle River Dam was built 2 miles upstream of the trestle as the final step to control flooding. The trestle location was also considered for the dam location, but was not feasible.

[@rogerbrown3520]

Marvelous engineering. It is amazing. Have viewed it up close.

[@fleotusbing]

What a phenomenal trestle! Wow. I'd never heard of it. Thanks! 👍

[@terrymitchell5782]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rdsieben]

A similar trestle burned to the ground and was rebuilt a few weeks later on this same line. The new trestle is much better built.

[@herbchilds1512]

The location is about 105 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, Alberta.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

How can wood sustain the attacks of termites and similar creatures? Why not steel? It's amazing all those wooden bridges.

[@terrymitchell5782]

The wood is treated to resist rotting, it probably deters insects as well.

[@pinkcanoe]

Is it still in regular use? Amazing bit of construction.

[@terrymitchell5782]

It is still in use, not much traffic right now.