Craig Baird
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thread 1/7
If you head down to Lethbridge, you will find the Lethbridge Viaduct.

Built nearly 120 years ago, it is the largest railway structure in Canada.
Let's learn more about it!

In 1905, the CPR made the decision to construct a new route through the area leading towards the Crowsnest Pass.
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 2/7
This new line was built north of the Oldman River. It required the construction of two bridges. One in Lethbridge and one near Monarch.

This new route eliminated some troublesome curves on the line and reduced the grade from 1.2% to .4%.
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 3/7
The length of the track in the area was also reduced by nearly nine kilometres.

Construction began in 1907, supervised by Assistant Chief Engineer of the CPR John Edward Schwitzer.
The steel components, made in Walkerville, Ontario, were put into place by 100 workers.
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 4/7
The transport of the steel for the bridge required 645 railway cars. Another 40 cars brought construction equipment.

The total cost of building the viaduct was $1.3 million.
The viaduct is 1.6 kilometres long, 96 metres high and weighs 11,200 tonnes.
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 5/7
The viaduct is built through where the Battle of Belly River was fought. This battle fought between the Cree and Blackfoot on Oct. 25, 1870, was the last major battle between the First Nations on Canadian soil.
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 6/7
The viaduct was also featured in the fourth episode of the first season of The Last of Us. In that episode, it is depicted as abandoned and collapsed.
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 7/7
If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at http://www.buymeacoffee.co...
09:18 AM - May 02, 2024
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