It seems that many people in our area don't know why there is a section of a bridge sitting at the Wiseman Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre at 112 Midlothian Road.

Ryerson Township initiated a project to replace the one-lane Swing Bridge that crossed the Magnetawan River on Midlothian Road, with a two-lane structure. The 'Official Opening' of the new bridge was November 20, 2004.

This bridge replacement was made possible with generous funding support from the Province. As an important part of the funded project, the Province required the Township to conduct an Archaeological Study of the underwater area and the bridge.

Below is a link to the Heritage Documentation on the Midlothian Road Bridge. As part of that study, the Township was required to have the middle section of the bridge moved to another location for preservation. (section 5.4 of the report) It was quite the process having that large section of bridge being moved along Midlothian Road.

The Swing Bridge is not only an important part of Ryerson Township's heritage, but also of our wider area as it was an integral part of the historic Magnetawan River system.

On page 4 of the report, last paragraph, it refers to a 'winding key '. This key drops into a hole on the deck to enable it to turn. When the bridge was first located to the Wiseman Corner School property, members of council and volunteers were able to insert the key and were able to turn the bridge mechanism. The winding key is still in the possession of the Historical Society.

In addition to Historical Society events at the School over the years, the bridge was used as a stage and for demonstrations at the Ryerson's 125th Anniversary since incorporation celebration held in 2005.

Heritage Report - Midlothian Road Swing Bridge

History of the Midlothian Road Swing Bridge with Images