Bridges

The bridges made of Dry Stone are actually “Foot Bridges”, for walking across streams and creek beds. They are not meant for driving across with heavy vehicles.

Small machines such as golf carts, utility trailers, tractors etc or just plain walking.

The stone bridge has a walkway of either sod which would require maintenance, or solid stone. Either one looks wonderful with a breathtaking effect…It is strictly personal choice.

Bridges can also be constructed of any type of stone as can all dry stone structures. The one main difference is a solid foundation on each side of the bed. Larger stones are required to hold the tremendous weight without any change of shifting over time.

The form used to work with the stone must be just the correct angles, strength, and size to conform to the project. If the form is not built properly it will not hold the weight of the stone. Once the bridge is complete the form is carefully removed to complete the project.

The first bridge in Canada was built in Port Hope, Ontario, with Norman Haddow of Scotland guiding the Dry Stone Wall Association of Canada to success. Now thanks to the experience and expertise, more wallers in Ontario are successfully continuing on the art of Dry Stone Bridges.