The Selkirk Lift Bridge Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

TheVogonPoet: Hi,

I am archiving this cache as it has been disabled for over two years or appears to have been abandoned and in need of maintenance. If the owner wishes to resurrect it they may do so with a new listing.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

Thanks
TheVogonPoet
Volunteer Reviewer

More
Hidden : 6/28/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Small, magnetic container. Has Logbook only. Please bring your own writing tool!
In spring, this cache may not be the easiest to access, depending on the water levels. Please make sure to use caution at that time of year!

In 1911, a rumour started that a bridge was being built to connect Selkirk and East Selkirk across the Red River. It was not until the Depression in the 1930s that the bridge finally began to take shape. The construction of the bridge was to help create jobs.

The opening of the bridge was delayed for several years while the governments argued over funding for the maintenance costs. In the spring of 1937, the bridge had not yet opened and the river became impossible to cross. Meanwhile, the governments had quietly reached a settlement and planned an official opening of the bridge.

Frustrated, Ed Maloney, a local resident took matters into his own hands and lowered the span by the manual crank to allow people to cross. The bridge was in full use that day, only to be promptly closed by the government until the official opening only two days later.

•The Selkirk Lift Bridge was built in1934-36.
•Takes about 3-4 minutes to raise the span
•It is still fully functional today.
•Every Canada Day the bridge is raised before the fireworks
•The Bridge is one of the two of its kind still around.

A lift bridge is a type of movable bridge where the span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck.

The Lift Bridge costs less to build for longer moveable spans. The counterweights in a vertical lift are only required to be equal to the weight of the deck. As a result, heavier materials can be used in the deck and this type of bridge is better suited for heavy railroad use. The biggest disadvantage to the lift bridge is the height restriction for passing vessels underneath it.

Although most vertical lift bridges use towers, each equipped with counterweights, some use hydraulic jacks located below the deck.

Additional Hints ()

Oyhr fcenl cnvagrq zntargvp xrl pnfr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

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