Niagara Cantilever

Abstract

The first modern metal cantilever bridge in the United States, using erection methods that were to be utilized in most future cantilever bridges, was by C. C. Schneider across the Niagara Gorge in 1883. The Niagara, saw in order, John Roebling’s Railroad Suspension Bridge, Samuel Keefer’s Honeymoon Suspension Bridge, Edward Serrell’s Lewiston-Queenston Suspension Bridge, Schneider’s cantilever, Leffert Buck’s arch bridge at the falls as well as Buck’s arch built under Roebling’s suspension bridge. Schneider’s bridge had a useful life of over 40 years during a period when rolling stock on the railroads was increasing rapidly. The speed of erection of a new style bridge coupled with its performance makes it one of the most innovative and significant bridges built in the world at the time.