Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge |
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![]() Big Salmon River Suspension bridge, taken from the North side.
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Coordinates | 45°25′21.7″N 65°24′33.6″W / 45.422694°N 65.409333°W |
Crosses | Big Salmon River (New Brunswick) |
Locale | St. Martins, New Brunswick |
Characteristics | |
Total length | 275 feet (84 m) |
History | |
Replaces | Big Salmon River Covered Bridge |
The Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge is a cool footbridge in New Brunswick, Canada. It's a special kind of bridge that hangs over the Big Salmon River. This river flows into a big body of water called the Bay of Fundy, near a town called St. Martins, New Brunswick. The bridge is about 84 meters (or 275 feet) long.
What is a Suspension Bridge?
A suspension bridge is a type of bridge that uses strong cables to hold up the main part where people walk. Think of it like a giant hammock!
- It has tall towers on each side.
- Big cables stretch between these towers.
- Smaller cables hang down from the main cables to support the bridge deck.
This design allows bridges to span very long distances, even over wide rivers or valleys. The Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge is a great example of this design, but for walkers only!
Where is the Bridge Located?
This awesome footbridge is found in the beautiful province of New Brunswick, Canada. It's close to the small, charming town of St. Martins, New Brunswick.
- St. Martins is famous for its sea caves and rocky beaches.
- The Big Salmon River flows right into the Bay of Fundy.
The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world! So, the river's water level can change a lot depending on the tide.
A Bit of History
Before this modern suspension bridge was built, there was an older bridge in the same spot.
- It was a covered bridge.
- Covered bridges were common in the past. They had walls and a roof, almost like a long, wooden tunnel!
- The roof and walls helped protect the wooden structure from rain and snow, making the bridge last longer.
The current suspension bridge replaced that older covered bridge, giving people a new way to cross the Big Salmon River.