Timeline

1904: Construction of the Menesetung Bridge begins, requiring more than 1000 men and 50 teams of horses.

1905: One man, a train engineer named Emanuel Maddeford, dies during the project when a gust of wind derails the work engine he is in and plunges him 60 feet into the river below.

1906: The bridge is completed. At 700 feet in length, it is the longest bridge span in the province.

1907: The first train crosses the bridge.

Early 1970s: The last passenger service uses the bridge.

1989: The last train crosses the bridge. The bridge is to be demolished starting December 31st. A group of concerned citizens manages to get an injunction to delay the demolition by 3 months so that they can place a down payment to purchase it.

1990: The Menesetung Bridge Association forms. The requisite funds are raised, and the bridge is purchased.

1991: The association raises $120,000 to complete the conversion from rail bridge to walking bridge. Fifty thousand dollars are raised through selling the planks and railings that make up the walkway.

1992: The conversion is completed, and the bridge and Tiger Dunlop Trail are opened to hikers and bikers.

1993: The bridge receives a heritage designation.