Points of Interest:
Battle River Trestle
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The Battle River Viaduct is the CNR mainline crossing of the Battle River Valley. As such, it ferries a good lot of the nation's freight across this mighty gorge.
In the year 2000, the Way of the West Society created a rest area and viewpoint site overlooking the vista of the Battle River Bridge. From this area you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Battle River valley mixed with ample opportunity watch one of the many trains cross the trestle.
The trestle is also partially visible from highway 14 just as you enter the valley from the north side. A brief glimpse of the bridge can be seen off to the west. Even at that distance, the size of the structure is clearly evident.
Built in 1908, the bridge was the longest free standing trestle in Canada until after the Great War. In its early days, a man was required to walk its 2775 foot length prior to every train. Above the river crossing he would be peering downward 195 feet to the rushing water below.
Grand Trunk Pacific Railway began construction of this magnificent structure in 1907 and was completed December 10th, 1908. It is the second largest in Canada, with Lethbridge Viaduct being the largest. The first train across was January 1909. The total cost of the trestle was $600,000.00.
The trestle is 2775 feet long and 195 feet high. It consisted of three trestles - the centre being twenty-six towers. Over 100,000 pounds of spikes and bolts were required for the job.
The track laying crew consisted of 170 men laying two miles of ties and steel in a ten-hour day. Concrete footings were poured in 1907.
Art Alborne built a small temporary store at the bridge site in 1908. J.J. Ruste did construction of the little store. Mr. Ruste also built a cafeacute; for George Smith. Many other temporary buildings were also constructed. Supplies were hauled over from Hardisty, about twenty-five miles to the southwest at a point along the CPR's northernmost line.
Many men lost their lives while building the railroad. This trestle has a history as well. While six or seven workers were being carried in a high suspension bucket, the bucket swung over and hit the bank and all fell in the river. Despite rescue attempts three were drowned and a cairn marks the graves. It can be seen on the west bank of the Battle River.
Photo: Don McGuire
The concrete footings were refaced in the late 1940’s and in 1981 a new concrete deck was installed.
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Many thanks to Don McGuire and the Wainwright District Museum for permission to use their photos.
